MindSpring Debuts Cable Internet Service

Internet service provider MindSpring
Enterprises Inc. Monday rolled out its first high-speed cable modem
Internet access offering.

The new service, which debuted in Montgomery, Ala., enables customers to connect to the Internet up to 50 times
faster than a
standard dial-up connection. Cable access users will also have access to
MindSpring’s dial-up service in 748 cities
throughout the country.

The service provides three e-mail accounts, 10 megabytes of Web hosting space and access to all MindSpring-supported Usenet news groups.

MindSpring will launch the cable modem service in Augusta, Ga.,
Charleston, S.C., Columbus,
Ga., and Panama City, Fla., when the company’s network service
provider upgrades its
infrastructure in those cities.

The service costs $39.95 per month with a one-time installation fee of
$149.95, which includes installation
of equipment and service. The cable modem is available for lease at $13 per
month.

“MindSpring is very focused on providing our customers with the services
they want at a competitive
price,” said MindSpring’s founder and Chief Executive Officer Charles
Brewer.

“We are intent on
ensuring our customers have a choice of Internet access options, whether it
is fast access over cable or
the flexibility of a standard dial-up telephone connection.”