Cablevision begins Wi-Fi deployments

Cablevision Systems Corp. said it completed the first phase of its Optimum Wi-Fi deployment. The company’s Optimum online high-speed Internet customers in areas of Nassau and Suffolk counties in New York and on commuter rail platforms and station parking lots across all of Long Island can now access the free wireless Internet service.
Cablevision announced plans in May to launch Optimum Wi-Fi in commercial and high consumer traffic areas throughout its tri-state area during the next two years. To gain access, customers enter a user ID and password. In a press release, Cablevision said the network will host speeds of 1.5 megabits per second.
Cablevision’s move into the Wi-Fi space follows Verizon Communication Inc.’s move several years ago to first install and then remove Wi-Fi capabilities from payphone locations throughout New York City, and other companies struggle to make a business case with municipal Wi-Fi deployments.
Cablevision currently claims 2.4 million customers using its Optimum Online high-speed Internet service.