[Wi-Fi] Comcast activates Wi-Fi hotspots in Springfield, IL

http://www.sj-r.com/breaking/x1338688687/Comcast-activates-nearly-100-WiFi-hotspots Comcast activates nearly 100 WiFi hotspots around Springfield The biggest name in the cable business has joined the wireless broadband competition in Springfield. Comcast switched on nearly 100 “hotspots” across Springfield on Thursday, making the city one of the few where the service is available outside of major metropolitan markets. Chicago service also was launched on Thursday. “If you think about our service and how it’s changed,” said spokesman Jack Segal, “more and more of our customers are taking their mobile devices along and want content on the go. “If they’re watching movies, watching TV, this follows them.” The hotspots — each with a range of 300 to 500 feet — are available free of charge to anyone through July 4, according to the company announcement. Unlimited access is available to Xfinity cable customers at no added charge after that date. Other users will be allow two “complimentary,” one-hour sessions per month. To connect to a hotspot, get your WiFi-enabled computer or device near one (use this map to see where they are located) and look for the network named “xfinitywifi” or “CableWiFI.” Segal said Comcast also will continue to expand “indoor” WiFi hotspots targeted to businesses in Springfield. The service first was introduced in the Boston, Philadelphia, New Jersey and northern California markets, according to the company. “We’re building this piece by piece, and Springfield is among our largest markets, so it makes sense it would go there,” said Segal. He noted that the company is not assigning specific speeds to the WiFi service, but that it would be comparable to Xfinity download speeds. A test of a hotspot located at Eighth and Edwards streets on Thursday afternoon using the website speedtest.net showed upload and download speeds of about 4.5 megabits per second, which is generally adequate for basic web surfing and streaming video. A company map shows the outdoor hotspots spread evenly across the city. Downtown Springfield Inc. executive director Victoria Ringer said she is hopeful the Comcast expansion will help fill in persistent wireless gaps in the historic-commercial district. “There isn’t an overall type of WiFi system downtown,” said Ringer. “This would be a great benefit to visitors and employees downtown.” The city negotiated with AT&T for a citywide wireless service in 2006 but could not reach an agreement. Mayor Mike Houston said Comcast notified the city of its plans, adding that the expansion should help resolve lingering coverage issues. “I think certainly with what Comcast is doing, it’s going to be much better,” said Houston, “and hopefully it’ll resolve most of the problem people in general are having. They’re doing this in big cities, and it’s great that we’re included.” Segal said the 300-to-500-foot range should work well in most areas of Springfield. “They are in all sorts of different places,” said Segal. “There could be spots here and there where a building interferes.”