Residents, Visitors, Business People can Connect to Internet without Wires at Historic Headhouse Square Plaza
Comcast and T-Mobile USA, Inc. today announced the planned June launch of Philadelphia's first-ever outdoor Wi-Fi wireless Internet service located at Philadelphia's historic Headhouse Square Plaza. The T-Mobile HotSpot network, supported at Headhouse Square by the Comcast high-speed data network, will give residents and visitors the ability to get online at wireless broadband speeds with a Wi-Fi enabled laptop computer or personal data assistant (PDA). The launch will create one of the nation's largest Wi-Fi "hotspots," available in most indoor and outdoor areas of the plaza, covering Second Street between South and Pine Streets.
The introduction of Wi-Fi, or "wireless fidelity," further enhances the vibrant shopping, dining and living experience available in the broader South Street business district. The network will enable Wi-Fi users in Headhouse Square Plaza to catch up on email, access company intranets, make restaurant reservations, take advantage of special offers from merchants, and generally enjoy on-the-go information and entertainment that only a wireless broadband connection can deliver.
"The launch of wireless broadband service in this neighborhood is the next great revolution for our city," said Philadelphia City Councilman Frank DiCicco. "Headhouse Square began as a marketplace some 250 years ago and, with the help of dedicated corporate partners, we're continuing that spirit of innovation and commerce today."
As part of a limited time offer, Comcast and T-Mobile will make available free Wi-Fi service at Headhouse Square Plaza for approximately six months from launch. Terms and conditions apply.
Michael Doyle, president of Comcast's Eastern Division said, "We are excited about creating a tech-friendly destination in our hometown that will generate more benefit for local residents, visitors and business people. The partnership between Comcast and T-Mobile - the country's leading broadband and Wi-Fi providers - delivers a tremendous high-tech amenity for Philadelphia by extending cable broadband content and services beyond the traditional wired environment."
According to Joe Sims, vice president and general manager for T-Mobile HotSpot, Headhouse Square Plaza is T-Mobile's first outdoor hotspot. "Our partnership with Comcast in Philadelphia continues T-Mobile's efforts to offer Wi-Fi in high-traffic locations where people go as part of their daily lives. At Headhouse Square Plaza, we're helping people declare their independence from the home and office."
Already available in more than 4,600 convenient locations, such as Borders Books & Music, FedEx Kinko's Office and Print Centers, Starbucks and airports, T-Mobile HotSpot operates the largest carrier-owned Wi-Fi service in the country.
Lindsay Morio
T-Mobile USA Media Relations
425-383-4002
About T-Mobile USA, Inc.
Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile USA, Inc. is the U.S. wireless operation of Deutsche Telekom AG. By the end of the first quarter of 2010, approximately 150 million mobile customers were served by the mobile communication segments of the Deutsche Telekom group - 33.7 million by T-Mobile USA - all via a common technology platform based on GSM and UMTS, the world's most widely used digital wireless standards. T-Mobile USA's innovative wireless products and services help empower people to connect to those who matter most. Multiple independent research studies continue to rank T-Mobile among the highest in numerous regions throughout the U.S. in wireless customer care and call quality. For more information, please visit http://www.T-Mobile.com. T-Mobile is a federally registered trademark of Deutsche Telekom AG.
About Comcast Cable
Headquartered in Philadelphia, Comcast Cable is a division of Comcast Corporation, a developer, manager and operator of broadband cable networks and provider of programming content. With a presence in 22 of the top 25 United States markets, Comcast is one of the leading communications, media and entertainment companies in the world. Providing basic cable, Digital Cable, high-speed Internet and telephone services, Comcast is the company to look to first for the communications products and services that connect people to what's important in their lives. The company's 59,000 employees serve more than 21 million customers.