cable operator

O3b Networks has taken the wraps off a bold plan to launch a global satellite network capable of delivering high-speed Internet connectivity to people living in emerging markets, where the commercial deployment of fiber networks is neither economically viable nor practical.

Cablevision Systems Corp. said Thursday it has finished the first phase of its wireless network buildout in New York and remains on track to complete the project in two years.

The diversified cable operator is offering the Wi-Fi service at no charge to its 2.4 million Internet customers at speeds of up to 1.5 Megabits per second, similar to DSL at home.

The company currently doesn't have plans to offer the service to non-subscribers.