Boston cable-modem test planned

Continental Cablevision and BBN Planet have announced a market trial for high-speed Internet access via cable TV to Continental Cablevision subscribers in the Boston suburbs beginning in February.

The trial program, which is expected to last six months, will offer about 200 homes access to the company's hybrid network of fiber-optic and coaxial cable at speeds hundreds of times faster than the existing telephone network, according to officials. The trial will also offer email and customer support.