Time Warner Cable is freshening up its consumer voice product with the launch of Phone 2 Go, an app that lets its phone customers text, place and receive voice calls and video calls on tablets and smartphones while they're away from home without incurring extra costs.
TWC is offering the new app on the iOS (version 6.0 or higher) and Android (version 4.1 or higher) platforms TWC, which is in the process of being acquired by Comcast, ended the second quarter with about 5 million voice subscribers (TWC is scheduled to report third quarter results on Thursday, Oct. 30).
Phone 2 Go compatible devices include iOS 6.0 and higher (iPhones, iPads and iPad Minis) and Android 4.1 and higher (smartphones and tablets).
Once TWC phone subs download the app, they can set up the mobile device to receive calls forwarded from their home phone via WiFi or cellular data connections (customers can register up to five devices), even when travelling abroad, the MSO said. The app also lets customers manage their voicemail remotely.
TWC is introducing the app as it continues to expand the reach of its WiFi network, which now includes 50,000 hotspots in several of its markets, including Southern California; New York City; Austin, Texas; Charlotte, N.C.; Kansas City; and Hawaii. That number jumps to more than 250,000 when factoring in the “Cable WiFi” hotspots deployed by roaming partners Comcast, Cablevision Systems, Cox Communications and Bright House Networks. TWC has also been rolling out Passpoint/Hotspot 2.0 technology that ties in more security features and allows for more cellular-like handoff capabilities as users move from one WiFi hotspot to another.
“With the launch of Phone 2 Go, home phone service is no longer limited by physical location. Our customers can now use their Home Phone service and calling plan no matter where they are, including overseas,” said Jeff Lindsay, GM of Time Warner Cable Home Phone service, in a statement. “Phone 2 Go brings tremendous value to our customers, not only in terms of convenience, but with real savings by accessing their Home Phone service and plan on-the-go using free WiFi to eliminate the worry of cellular voice overages and high international calling charges.”
Comcast has launched a similar product, called Voice 2go, that lets customers make and receive calls via their home phone numbers using the MSO’s Xfinity Connect app.
