EarthLink to cut 25 percent of work force

ATLANTA - EarthLink Incorporated says it&#39;s cutting a quarter of its work force because of increased competition. <br> <br> The announcement comes a day before the nation&#39;s third-largest Internet service provider reports its fourth-quarter earnings. <br> <br> Earthlink spokeswoman Carla Shaw says the company will trim its work force of 5,100 by 1,300. The cuts are focused on the company&#39;s call center facilities. <br> <br> Atlanta-based EarthLink says it&#39;ll close its entire call center operations in Dallas; Sacramento, California; and Seattle over a 30-day period beginning February 21. <br> <br> The company also announced that it will close one of its facilities in Pasadena, California, affecting its technical support and customer service operations. Other departments in these locations will not be directly affected.