Cablevision, Comcast, and Time Warner Cable have pooled their Wi-Fi resources to offer subscribers free access to more hotspots throughout the NYC metro area. It’s a great perk for cable subscribers in the region, and yet doesn’t take away from the appeal of mobile broadband services (specifically WiMAX) that some of these self-same cable providers are starting to offer. If you’ve ever ridden the Amtrak from Trenton to New York’s Penn Station, you know the heartbreak of briefly connecting to Wi-Fi at station stops, only to be cut off when the train starts moving again. If you truly need to be connected everywhere you go, there’s no substitute for mobile broadband service.
Which brings up an interesting point. The new Wi-Fi roaming agreement is meant to be a kick in the pants to wireless carriers providing $50 and $60-per-month data plans. But I’d be very curious to see the demographics of folks who pay those data prices on a regular basis. My guess is that if a consumer is willing to pay that kind of money to begin with, there’s probably a real need for connectivity; most likely work-related. And if the need is strong, then Wi-Fi, even lots of it, isn’t going to be enough. In the future, when carriers try to push further downmarket, Wi-Fi becomes a more credible competitor. But for now, I think it’s just a perk for cable subscribers unwilling to shell out $60 a month.
And you know what? I’m fine with that. Especially since my next trip up to NYC is never far off.
Cablevision also provides free WiFi in some Westchester county cities, one of which I live in. (In case you’re not aware that is about 35mins north of Manhattan).
But I use FIOS, and don’t regret the choice.