Free Ride
By
| April 24, 2007
Spanish-based start-up FON struck with Time Warner Cable a pact allowing the MSO’s HSD subs to turn their connections into public wireless hotspots through FON. ISPs in the US have previously resisted such arrangements as it has the potential to cannibalize their service. The FON pact lets TW residential subs turn their connections into a free hotspot for FON members. Non-FON members can access the connection for $3/day—FON and TW would split those revenues. FON Membership requires buying a $40 FON router and then sharing your Internet connection.