Time Warner Cable (TWC) and Boingo, a major WiFi network operating company, have made the first “fast lane” deal that would affect WiFi roaming access. Financials weren’t discussed in the announcement, but the deal gives TWC access to hundreds of “premium” Boingo locations including subway platforms and airports in cities such as New York; Los Angeles; Austin, Texas; and Charlotte, North Carolina.
TWC also launched HotSpot 2.0 technology back in April that allows customers to jump from hotspot to hotspot seamlessly with Passpoint security. Passpoint security eliminates the need for customers to search and authenticate hotspots every time they connect. “Cable WiFi” alliances have been made by other providers such as Bright House Networks, Cox Communications, Comcast, and Cablevision Systems, but this is the first deal made with Boingo.
TWC’s merger deal with Comcast is something else to consider in this case. Add the news of the Boingo deal with TWC to the deal Comcast reportedly made with Netflix and things get interesting. Did Comcast have anything to do behind-the-scenes of the TWC and Boingo deal? It is hard to say, but it is safe to say that this adds to the multitude of issues the FCC already has on its plate!
Check out Comcast and TWC’s current services and offers here!