With some service providers, the moment you stray too far from home you are left in a tough spot. You want to be able to access on your IP-enabled devices – smart phones, tablets etc. – but you are out of your home’s Wi-Fi range, and they do not have enough wireless hotspots for you to connect to as you commute from one location to another. Consider the delight that some individuals would have knowing that whether they are home or on the go; they can still have wireless connectivity thanks to systems put in place by their Internet service provider. Imagine the reaction to being able to connect even when they are out of the country. How so? Through the creation of a global Wi-Fi network.
Years ago, such a thought would have been deemed impossible, but through the advancements in technology, Comcast and Liberty Global (a European-based service provider) are on course to make it a reality. Just over a week ago, the announcement was made that the two companies will be allowing their respective customers to access their Wi-Fi networks as at 2015. Unsurprisingly, this is the first time that a venture of this nature has been undertaken.
Soon, customers of top-ranked European cable company Liberty Global – who has operations in over 10 European countries – will have access to Comcast’s hotspots when they visit. In the United States, Comcast customers are able to access their high-speed Internet service in a multitude of locations. As it is now, they are in the region of three million, but it was announced that they are on a quest to reach eight million hotspots in the country by the end of 2014. This timeline is ahead of the 2015 mark that the companies agreed on to roll out their latest initiative. It should be noted that while the initiative is to be offered on a large scale in 2015, a trial period has already been set for the latter months of 2014.
Understandably, Comcast citizens will have access to Liberty Global’s wireless data connection when they are in Europe. Countries included in this list are Belgium, Ireland, Poland, the Netherlands and England, which is where the company’s headquarters is located. Similar to Comcast, the European company is also working to expand its wireless presence on the continent, with their hotspot counter rapidly climbing towards the three million figure.
One of the biggest concerns for individuals who travel are the high charges associated with roaming. Being away from home does not mean that they want to be restricted from making calls, sending text messages or using data to carry out certain desired activities. Traditionally, data connection is the only function of the three that can be attainable through Wi-Fi, but starting in 2012 Comcast has expanded their capabilities to include them all. With the Xfinity Connect App, subscribers to their Internet and Voice services would be able to make and receive calls and text messages for free – provided that they are connected to a wireless network.
Why it Makes Sense
It has been reported that over 11 million US citizens visited countries across Europe in 2013 alone, with over 12 million Europeans travelling in the opposite direction. While it is safe to say that all the travellers were not Comcast and Liberty Global customers respectively, those that do fall into the category will certainly be smiling as a result of the latest announcement.
By extension, the news of the partnership could work to better increase the customer base of each service provider, as the wireless potential is sure to appeal to many – particularly those who travel a lot. In addition to all that they already offer their customers, being able to brag on the feature of enabling wireless connectivity in a foreign country is one that not many (besides them) can brag about.
Views from The Execs
As the news of this initiative continues to spread, the public interest and anticipation surrounding the development is likely to grow. That being said, representatives of both entities have expressed similar sentiments.
“We are excited to be working with Liberty Global and see this partnership as a great opportunity to further expand our Wi-Fi footprint and offer fast and secure wireless broadband service to our customers, not only while they are here in the United States, but also while they are traveling overseas.” These are the words of Tom Nagel, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for Comcast Cable.
Balan Nair, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Liberty Global not only expressed pleasure in the agreement, but was hopeful of even further assistance in making Internet access possible across vast geographical landscapes, “We are delighted to join forces with Comcast to begin building worldwide Wi-Fi connectivity and we hope that this will create interest from other cable operators to join us.”
Flirting with the very latest that technology have to offer, Comcast and Liberty Global are on course to do what has never been done before – enable their customers to have Internet access in foreign territories. As far as telecommunication innovation goes, these two service providers have thrust themselves far ahead of the pack.
Comcast Set to Create a Global Wi-Fi Network
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