(Telecompaper) Comcast announced plans to start selling internet and phone services to large businesses nationwide, expanding beyond its cable footprint. The company is creating a new unit to offer data services to Fortune 1000 businesses across the country, including those located outside its network area. Comcast said it has struck wholesale agreements with cable operators including Cox Communications, Time Warner Cable, Charter Communications, Cablevision Systems and Mediacom to offer services using their networks. Comcast said it is seeking to bring together the cable industry to provide a meaningful alternative to AT&T and Verizon. In the past the company was often ignored by large companies due to its limited network, Bill Stemper, president of Comcast Business, told the Wall Street Journal. To help manage national accounts, Comcast said it acquired a company called Contingent Network Services two weeks ago.