Time Warner Cable Inc. (TWC) has started selling WiFi hotspots called “IntelliGo” to its “Road Runner Mobile” subscribers. “Road Runner Mobile” is the brand of Time Warner Cable’s next-generation (4G) WiMAX network. Manufactured by Sierra Wireless Inc. (SWIR), IntelliGo is a dual mode (3G/4G) mobile hotspot device that can provide WiFi connectivity to five devices simultaneously. These devices include notebooks, netbooks, gaming devices, media players, and cameras.

Utilizing the nationwide WiMAX network infrastructure set up by Clearwire LLC (CLWR), Road Runner Mobile service is now available in Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin, Texas; Charlotte, Raleigh and Greensboro, N.C.; Honolulu and Maui, Hawaii; and Kansas City, MO. IntelliGo can connect to any WiFi enabled device on Clearwire’s WiMAX network as well as Sprint Nextel Corp’s (S) nationwide 3G network. Time Warner Cable will charge $49.99 (after a $50 rebate) for IntelliGo to its WiMAX subscribers who have signed a two-year contract.

From last March, Time Warner Cable started offering WiFi connectivity to its WiMAX customers and in last April, the company entered into an agreement with both Comcast Corp. (CMCSA) and Cablevision Systems Corp. (CVC) for free WiFi platform sharing. This was a major move on the part of cable MSOs to counter competitive threat from telecom operators and satellite TV providers.

WiFi connectivity is likely to become a huge opportunity for communications service providers. Several industry sources predicted that WiFi enabled wireless devices like phone, computer, and consumer electronics may cross one billion by 2012. Mobile TV traffic over WiFi is expected to increase 25 times from 2010 to 2015. Telecom giants like Verizon Wireless (VZ) and AT&T (T) both have strong WiFi presence.

Road Runner Mobile broadband network supports Internet speed of 6 Mbps. Time Warner Cable aims to consolidate its position in this highly competitive market by offering mobile hotspots to its WiMAX customers. IntelliGo (the Sierra AirCard W801 Mobile Hotspot) will provide its users the convenience of mobility so that customers can enjoy the WiFi service on their devices from anywhere within the service circle.

We maintain our Neutral recommendation for Time Warner Cable. Currently it is a Zacks #3 Rank (Hold) stock.

Zacks Investment Research

1. (TWC) Time Warner Cable Road Runner Subscribers Get Wi-FiTime Warner Cable Inc. (TWC) has started offering Wi-Fi services to its Road Runner cable...
2. (TWC) Time Warner Cable to Independently Offer VoIPTime Warner Cable Inc. (TWC) decided to offer VoIP services independently as a part of...
3. (TWC) Time Warner Cable to Ramp Up WiMAX ServiceTime Warner Cable Inc. (TWC) has decided to speed up its investment in the next-generation...
4. (TWC) Time Warner Cable Eyes Cable VisionTime Warner Cable Inc. (TWC), the second largest cable MSO in the U.S., said it...
5. (TWC) Time Warner Cable Inc Gets Coverage Initiated at NeutralWe initiate coverage for Time Warner Cable Inc. (TWC) with Neutral recommendation. Despite the deep...
6. (TWC) Time Warner Cable Launches WiMAXTime Warner Cable Inc (TWC) will launch the 4G WiMAX mobile broadband services in three...

Search Posts by Tag: AT&T Inc. | Cablevision Systems Corporation | Clearwire Corporation | CLWR | CMCSA | Comcast Corporation | CVC | S | Sierra Wireless Inc | Sprint Nextel Corporation | SWIR | T | Time Warner Cable Inc. | TWC | Verizon Communications Inc. | VZ | CATV Systems | Services

RSS Feeds by Tag: AT&T Inc. | Cablevision Systems Corporation | Clearwire Corporation | CLWR | CMCSA | Comcast Corporation | CVC | S | Sierra Wireless Inc | Sprint Nextel Corporation | SWIR | T | Time Warner Cable Inc. | TWC | Verizon Communications Inc. | VZ | CATV Systems | Services |

Other Posts by: vitalstocks | RSS Feed for this author