Cablevision has installed nearly 60 new hotspots along the Long Beach Boardwalk in New York to provide free Wi-Fi access to its data subscribers.
Optimum WiFI is available along the 2.2-mile oceanfront boardwalk that was rebuilt after Superstorm Sandy. The boardwalk fully re-opened last year. Cablevision said it had more than 350 access points available throughout the city of Long Beach, N.Y.
“Cablevision and the city of Long Beach have enjoyed a great partnership for many years, and we are pleased to extend our Wi-Fi coverage to one of the most beloved spots in the city, the Long Beach Boardwalk,” said Kevin Packingham, Cablevision’s executive vice president of product management. “Long Beach is a community that loves to be outside, and installing Wi-Fi on the boardwalk is just another example of how we are committed to providing wireless Internet access in the areas that matter most to residents. Now, customers can get even more out of their Optimum Online service by connecting to free, reliable WiFi just a few steps from the ocean.”
In the tri-state New York metro area, Cablevision was particularly hard hit by Superstorm Sandy two years ago.
“The city of Long Beach has undergone a remarkable transformation as we continue to recover from the devastation of Superstorm Sandy,” said Scott J. Mandel, city council president. “We thank Cablevision for investing in Long Beach by providing WiFi on our boardwalk and at other popular locations throughout the City. Long Beach truly comes alive during the summer, and we are excited for our residents and visitors to discover this increased connectivity as the beach season gets into full swing.”
Cablevision announced the availability of the new hotspots just a head of July Fourth last week.
Cablevision, which was an early adopter of Wi-F, said its Optimum WiFi network spans “hundreds of thousands” of hotspots across Long Island and the tri‐state area. Unlimited access to Optimum WiFi is available to all Optimum Online data customers at no extra charge.
Cablevision is a member of the CableWiFi alliance, which also includes Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications and Bright House Networks. In April, the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) announced that CableWiFi members had access to more than 250,000 hotspots nationwide via the roaming agreement.