Time Warner Cable has become the first cable operator to forge a bilateral roaming access deal with WiFi network operator Boingo.
Financial terms were not announced, but the roaming component will give TWC broadband subs access to more than 100 “premium” Boingo locations, including 23 high-traffic airports in the U.S. as well as several NYC-area subway stations, while also providing certain Boingo customers with access to more than 35,000 WiFi hotspots the MSO has deployed in markets such as New York; Los Angeles; Austin, Texas; and Charlotte, N.C.
The companies, both members of the Wireless Broadband Alliance that are participating in next-gen trials, said they will also complete a Passpoint-enabled integration later this year that will enable TWC and Boingo customers to connect seamlessly and securely with their Passpoint-certified devices and account credentials. Last month, TWC announced it had added Passpoint security and Hotspot 2.0 technology to most of its hotspots, a move that brings cellular-like capabilities to its growing WiFi network.
Boingo, which offers access to more than 1 million hotspots globally, said its Unlimited subscribers can take advantage of TWC hotspots in L.A., NYC, Austin, Charlotte, Myrtle Beach, Hawaii and Kansas City. Not covered by the agreement announced Tuesday are hotspots operated by other MSOs that are part of the “Cable WiFi” alliance (Bright House Networks, Cox Communications, Comcast, and Cablevision Systems), which have deployed more than 250,000 so far. Boingo is currently promoting the Unlimited service for $4.98 per month, down from a regular price of $9.95 per month, for up to two WiFi devices.
“Our agreement with Time Warner Cable greatly enhances our network of partner hotspots in the U.S., providing added value for our Boingo Unlimited and Boingo Mobile customers. We’re thrilled to extend access to the TWC WiFi Hotspots to our customers in cities from coast to coast,” said Nick Hulse, president, Boingo Wireless, in a statement.
TWC customers, meanwhile, can will be able to connect to the select Boingo hotspots via the WiFi provider’s service set identifier (SSID). Boingo hotspots covered by the agreement include airports such as La Guardia, JFK and Newark, Chicago O’Hare International, Raleigh-Durham International, Dallas Love Field, Austin Bergstrom, Denver International Airport, Memphis International and Nashville International. Also covered: 36 NYC subway station platforms, Soldier Field in Chicago, and “several” Washington State ferries.
“Free Wi-Fi adds tremendous value to our Internet service. Now, our customers can stay connected when they travel with free access to Boingo Hotspots in major airports and other popular locations around the country,” added Rob Cerbone, VP of mobile products for TWC.
TWC said the new Boingo hotspots covered by the agreement have been added to its WiFi coverage map, and will soon be added to the TWC Finder app.
