"We really view 802.11 as an access technology that allows our existing customers, whether they're at work, at home or on the go, to have access to their data network. And it's exclusively for Verizon Online customers but is a free access technology. So today we have activated 150 hotspots throughout Manhattan and by year end will have a thousand hotspots around New York City."
Verizon isn't saying when service will be rolled out to other cities. About the dent the company hopes to make in cable's broadband lead Otterbeck says...
"Most cable companies only enjoy anywhere from an 8 to 12 percent overall penetration level. So that still leaves 80 to 90 percent of the market, which is really the mass market."
In many markets, it will be the beginning of real broadband competition... which could benefit consumers. Bloomberg Boot Camp, I'm Fred Fishkin.