Verizon Switches Off Free Wi-Fi in NYC
Verizon is discontinuing complementary wireless Internet access for its DSL customers in New York City. Instead, Verizon will accelerate the deployment of paid Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) network services throughout the region. EV-DO is operated by Verizon Wireless and provides a wider range of access than Wi-Fi.
Despite its relatively low operating cost, the Wi-Fi hot spot service will be phased out, beginning in areas where it's less frequently used. As this is happening, Verizon Wireless will shift its focus toward promoting EV-DO based VCAST and BroadbandAccess services that are already available in Manhattan, parts of Northern New Jersey, as well as JFK, LaGuardia and Newark Liberty Airports.
Verizon has spent $613 million USD to develop the network since 2004.
Verizon VCAST is a wireless broadband multimedia service that provides customers with 3D games and access to hundreds of daily video clips. According to Verizon, BroadbandAccess provides speeds of 400-700 kbps, downloading a 1MB files within 20 seconds.
Customers outside of the EV-DO network may still access Verizon's national wireless network by switching to 1xRTT technology that is CDMA-based and backwards compatible with EV-DO enabled devices - albeit at much slower speeds.
Wi-Fi speeds are faster than BroadbandAccess, but are reliant on the distance a customer is from an access point. Existing Wi-Fi access points are built into Verizon telephone booths.
"Businesses and consumers are enjoying the productivity and entertainment benefits of both VCAST and BroadbandAccess in New York and the region today," said Charles Hand, New York Metro regional president of Verizon Wireless. "We are now accelerating our high-speed network build in the New York metropolitan area, responding to both the Mayor's goal of expanding New York’s lead, as well as to stay ahead of customer demand."
Philadelphia Mayor John Street has set a similar self-imposed goal of citywide wireless Internet access by summer 2005. However, Philadelphia's network is municipally owned and low cost, with an emphasis on bridging the digital divide. City officials vow to sustain a constant upstream and downstream speed of 1 megabit per second.
Monthly access to Verizon's BroadbandAccess costs $79.99 USD, and customers that sign up for long term agreements receive unlimited use. VCAST is available for an additional $15 USD per month.