Comcast is testing free Wi-Fi hotspots in New Jersey, while Cablevision is growing its network Wi-Fi hotspots, originally deployed on Long Island in New York State, to New Jersey, as well.
Both are setting up Wi-Fi hotspots at commuter rail stations all through New Jersey, similar to Cablevision’s network of hotspots at Long Island Railroad (LIRR) stations.
Comcast is so far keeping the test extremely low key, according to multiple news reports. While the two MSOs appear to be collaborating on building hotspot infrastructure, subscribers to one will not be able to use the networks of the other, according to Broadband Reports.
It is natural to speculate that the two MSOs might consider offering Wi-Fi network access to each other’s subscribers, however. There is an established pattern of commuters traveling between New Jersey, New York City and Long Island, with a small number of people even commuting back and forth between Philadelphia to those other locations.
