Some interesting Wi-Fi news from the Big Apple.
Today during my commute into the city I passed Verizon setting up an extravaganza in Madison Park (23rd-27th street between Broadway and Madison). Seems Verizon is talking up the hundreds
of hotspots they have deployed around the city. Oh yes… and that they and MSN have jointly launched a broadband service also. (That is the sound of one hand clapping that you hear.)
The hotspots are available to its DSL subscribers free of charge. Very smart of them. (Look here for more info.) They were handing out duel hotspot and subway maps in MetroCard holders. According to my pocket map Verizon's coverage in New York includes Columbia University/Morning Side Heights, Upper West and East Side, Midtown from 59th through Chelsea (coast to coast), The Union Square extended, NYU/Washington Square Park, Wall Street/Battery Park and Brooklyn Heights. (Why is their online hotspot maps are SSL protected? Maybe they are not as smart as I gave them credit for.)
Like I said, interesting. It doesn't help me really. Verizon provides such poor service to my neighborhood that I went with @Home now Comcast. I suppose it will be helpful in getting the market to innovate and keep moving forward at an aggressive clip. T-Mobile recently announced they are packaging mobile phone and Wi-Fi. (I'm really considering T-Mobile for my next phone to take advantage of that and justify my Starbucks coffee addiction.)
UPDATE: Seems I'm not the only one thinking Verizon's move could mean something to the price and service of broadband hotspots. Internet News is reporting that Verizon could spark me-too Wi-Fi efforts. This being said, Reuters notes in that whether it be broadband Internet access, 3G mobile phones or flat screen monitors, the high-tech industry has turned hyping new technologies into high art. Cashing in is another matter entirely.
<p>Some interesting Wi-Fi news from the Big Apple.</p>
<p>Today during my commute into the city I passed Verizon setting up an extravaganza in Madison Park (23rd-27th street between Broadway and Madison). Seems Verizon is talking up the <q>hundreds</q> of hotspots they have deployed around the city. Oh yes… and that <a href="http://news.com.com/2100-1025_3-1001147.html">they and MSN have jointly launched a broadband service</a> also. (That is the sound of one hand clapping that you hear.) </p>
<p>The hotspots are available to its DSL subscribers free of charge. Very smart of them. (Look <a href="http://www.verizon.net/wi-fi/">here</a> for more info.) They were handing out duel hotspot and subway maps in MetroCard holders. According to my pocket map <a href="https://www33.verizon.com/wi-fi/login/locations/locations-remote.jsp">Verizon's coverage in New York</a> includes Columbia University/Morning Side Heights, Upper West and East Side, Midtown from 59th through Chelsea (coast to coast), The Union Square extended, NYU/Washington Square Park, Wall Street/Battery Park and Brooklyn Heights. (Why is their online hotspot maps are SSL protected? Maybe they are not as smart as I gave them credit for.)</p>
<p>Like I said, interesting. It doesn't help me really. Verizon provides such poor service to my neighborhood that I went with @Home now Comcast. I suppose it will be helpful in getting the market to innovate and keep moving forward at an aggressive clip. T-Mobile recently <a href="http://news.com.com/2100-1039-1000501.html">announced</a> they are packaging mobile phone and Wi-Fi. (I'm really considering T-Mobile for my next phone to take advantage of that and justify my Starbucks coffee addiction.) </p>
<p><strong>UPDATE:</strong> Seems I'm not the only one thinking Verizon's move could mean something to the price and service of broadband hotspots. Internet News is reporting that <a href="http://www.internetnews.com/wireless/print.php/2206601">Verizon could spark me-too Wi-Fi efforts</a>. This being said, <a href="http://reuters.com/printerFriendlyPopup.jhtml?type=businessNews&storyID=2762300">Reuters notes</a> in that <q>whether it be broadband Internet access, 3G mobile phones or flat screen monitors, the high-tech industry has turned hyping new technologies into high art. Cashing in is another matter entirely.</q></p>
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