EarthLink is finalist to create Philadelphia wireless network.

Byline: Michael Currie Schaffer

Oct. 4--The city-created nonprofit group designated by Mayor Street to turn Philadelphia into a giant Internet hot spot has chosen a finalist to build its wireless network.

Assuming the deal stays in place, a team led by the Atlanta company EarthLink Inc. will build and maintain the system at its own expense, said Dianah Neff, the city's chief information officer and also the nonprofit group's leader.

The arrangement, which has yet to be finalized, could dramatically change the contours of Wireless Philadelphia's business plan. Neff had previously estimated spending up to $20 million to build and maintain the network. …