Port Authority endorses Comcast Wi-Fi project

The Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) has endorsed a Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA) proposal to provide Xfinity Wi-Fi to all 13 of its train stations in New Jersey and Philadelphia.

The proposal will be voted on by the board of PATCO's parent group, the Delaware River Port Authority, during its Jan. 21 meeting. If approved, the hotspots will be operational by the summer.

Free Wi-Fi will be offered to Comcast subscribers and non-subscribers alike.

Comcast already provides its Wi-Fi service at train stations operated by Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) and NJ Transit.

"We're committed to improving our customers' experience," said John Hanson, president of PATCO and CEO of the Delaware River Port Authority, in a statement . "We have listened to our customers and know that staying connected is important. This demonstrates our commitment to provide the amenities our customers want. WiFi also means enhancement of real time communication to our customers via social media and email travel alerts."

Added Amalia O'Sullivan, VP of Xfinity Internet, Comcast Cable: "We're excited the operations and maintenance committee of PATCO's board selected Comcast and we're delighted to provide fast, reliable Wi-Fi access to PATCO customers. Access to Xfinity Wi-Fi at their train platforms will enable our customers and non-customers alike the ability to surf the net, stream videos and communicate with family and friends for no additional fee thereby saving them money on their wireless bills. These new locations will soon be part of our growing network of more than 8 million Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots available across the nation."

For more:
- read this PATCO press release
- read this Philadelphia Inquirer story
- read this Multichannel News story

Related links:
Wi-Fi technology goes beacon-like with upcoming Wi-Fi Aware feature
Wi-Fi Alliance introduces new product finder tool as device shipments set to top 10B
San Francisco's BART ends deal with Wi-Fi provider Wi-Fi Rail