Time Warner Cable has selected Ruckus Wireless' Wi-Fi wireless networking equipment to provide broadband access in select indoor and outdoor locations within its footprint.
The MSO is deploying Ruckus Wireless's 802.11n strand-mounted Wi-Fi access points that integrate a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem for backhauling traffic over existing cable plant. Additionally, TWC and Ruckus Wireless are developing specialized, ultra-high-capacity Wi-Fi access points designed for stadiums and other large public venues.
Time Warner Cable, like other MSOs including Comcast and Cablevision Systems, is using Wi-Fi as a customer-retention tool -- offering wireline subscribers out-of-home Wi-Fi access for no additional charge -- and also is charging nonsubscribers for temporary Internet access.
"Subscribers now expect their broadband services to be accessible wherever they go, and Wi-Fi is a great way to make this happen -- if it's fast and reliable," Time Warner Cable senior vice president of mobile services Mike Roudi said in a statement.
Ruckus Wireless claims it has shipped more than 3 million Wi-Fi systems to date to 12,000 customers. The 500-employee firm has raised $75 million in funding from Motorola Mobility, Meritech Capital Partners, Sequoia Capital, SingTel, Focus Ventures, Sutter Hill, T-Ventures, Telus Ventures and Firelake Capital.
