Optimum WiFi Update

Just a week ago, I was posting how Cablevision's Optimum's WiFi offering seemed like the wrong direction for the company, and the wrong technology to get the job done. Apparently, that didn't stop them, as over on Cable Rant, they've spotted the hardware being installed to get the job done.

I have to say that I'm a little surprised that they would be moving so quickly on this. After all, while this will run each subscriber $100 to roll out, how is it benefiting Optimum? Do they really think that there are that many non-Optimum subscribers that would willingly pay for WiFi access across the service area? And how much are they willing to pay for this when there are plentiful smartphones with unlimited data plans, not to mention a new iPhone in the wings?

On the other hand, it appears from the hardware pictured in their post, that these WiFi routers are relatively small, and simple to piggyback onto their existing network. Could be a good backup for when the cable goes out.

Jonas