EarthLink Business Solutions, a unit of EarthLink Inc., has introduced a new subscription service that guarantees the number of online clicks, or visitors to businesses' websites.

Called Traffic Builder, the new service is a 12-month term product that guarantees delivery of up to 4,800 clicks a year. EarthLink Business Solutions offers six plans with no setup fees.

EarthLink Business Solutions develops and optimizes search terms, creates ad copy, and then loads it across its network of search engine giants such as Google, Yahoo and MSN. When an Internet searcher types in a keyword, the businesses' ads show up adjacent to the search results on the page.

"Traffic Builder demystifies search engine marketing for most small-and-mid-sized businesses in virtually any industry," said Bill Warburton, director of product management for EarthLink Business Solutions. "Businesses simply select the number of guaranteed clicks they want with
their service package and we do the rest. We focus on building Web traffic while our business customers focus on converting leads into sales."

Business customers receive monthly performance email messages. If the website attracts more than the guaranteed number of clicks, there are no charges for additional clicks. On the other hand, if an account underperforms, EarthLink Business Solutions proactively modifies the
editorial content, keywords, generic and geographical search criteria, and automatically uploads changes to the search engines, guaranteeing results for each service package.

For more information on Traffic Builder, see the Earthlink press release.

New Comcast customers who order internet have the option to install their own modem and software instead of having to wait for a technician to come out to their home. By choosing the self installation, the customer will avoid the service fees.

The regular charge to have the technician come out is $99, but it will only cost the customer $40 to do it themselves. It costs about $30 for the self-installation kit and about $10 for shipping.

For an unspecified time, Comcast will waive the self-installation fee for customers who pick up the kit at one of the 18 Comcast stores in the Houston area. This will also allows them to avoid the $10 shipping fee and the wait for delivery.

Comcast's head of the Houston-area market, Tony Speller, believes this do-it-yourself option will make customers' lives a lot easier. He knows customers have busy lives and this way they won't have to wait for a technician.

Comcast states that connecting a cable between the outlet and modem and then installing the software will only take about 30 minutes, so it is perfect for those customers who feel comfortable around computers.

Clearwire Corporation, a Bellevue, Wash. wireless broadband services company, is teaming up with Intel and NextNet Wireless (a Clearwire subsidiary) to deploy future Intel silicon products for its new WiMAX network.

WiMAX represents an emerging technology that offers high-speed Internet connectivity in fixed and mobile wireless networks. The advantages: a wide coverage area, high-volume technology at low cost and a simple, consumer-friendly configuration that requires little more effort than plug and play. Intel Capital, Intel???s strategic investment program, intends to invest $150 million in wireless technology, hoping to establish a global high-speed wireless standard.

Currently, Jacksonville, FL. is utilizing NexNet technology as a precursor to the full-scale WiMAX networks still in development. With similar features as its soon-to-be parent wireless technology, the Jacksonville network provides high-speed broadband wireless service in most of the Florida community. Residents connect their computer to a NextNet modem via an Ethernet cable, plug it in and enjoy Internet access anywhere within the coverage area. Clearwire's WiMAX also provides simple system configuration and zero software installation hassles, making it one of the first truly affordable wide-scale wireless networks.

For more information on the Intel and Clearwire collaboration, see the Intel News Release

AT&T Inc. has announced plans to invest approximately $100 million throughout the next several years in fiber network upgrades, further broadband deployment and Internet-based technologies to bring new services -- including cutting-edge television -- to Nevada consumers.

The investment commitment is the result of the enactment of Nevada Assembly Bill 526, which reforms video-franchising regulations. The bill brings the benefits of video competition to Nevada consumers by establishing statewide uniform standards that streamline the video-provider authorization process and encourage competition and new investment.

The Nevada Legislature overwhelmingly supported efforts to reform Nevada's cable-franchising system by passing Assembly Bill 526 by bipartisan majorities in both the Nevada Assembly and Nevada Senate.

"We are continuing to bring good news to Nevada, and our investment in the state communications infrastructure reaffirms our commitment to both the state economy and consumers," said Hal Lenox, president, AT&T Nevada. "We are excited to bring the most advanced technology in video, voice and Internet services to Nevada consumers."

"Today's announcement by AT&T indicates that when we create a pro-business culture in Nevada, companies will want to come here not only to do business but to plant the seeds or create investments that will allow them to grow in our communities," said Gov. Jim Gibbons. "Both consumers and businesses will benefit from the most advanced technology available, and our economy will continue to grow."