Cox Business Launches Free Cox WiFi Hotspots in Rhode Island

WEST WARWICK, R.I., April 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Business announced today the launch of free Cox WiFi hotspots across Rhode Island. This includes the finish line of the Cox Providence Rhode Races on Sunday, May 2 in Providence, Rhode Island.

Cox WiFi powered by Cox Business is a network of customer-facing businesses that offer Cox Business Managed WiFi service. Customers of these businesses can login and surf the web for free at local hotspots.

"Consumers today want to stay connected wherever they go," said Mark Scott, vice president of Cox Business New England. "Cox WiFi hotspots powered by Cox Business is another way companies can add value to the experience they provide their customers."

Cox Business Managed WiFi is a turnkey solution for providing free wireless internet access to the customers of businesses in Rhode Island. The WiFi product they purchase from Cox is available free to anyone, not just Cox high speed Internet subscribers. This helps to attract new customers and improve customer loyalty.

"Some locations offer WiFi only to the customers of the internet provider that supplies the WiFi service," Scott said. "Rhode Island businesses in the Cox network are able to offer Cox WiFi hotspots to every one of their customers."

Cox Business Managed WiFi Includes:

• Professional installation of WiFi equipment
• Promotional signage to promote the hotspots
• Safe, secure, and family-friendly legal authentication and SSL certification
• Monthly activity reporting
• Cross-promotion via Cox Residential products and services
• Full support and trouble-shooting, 24/7

Cox WiFi powered by Cox Business will make its public debut at the Cox Providence Rhode Races, Sunday, May 2, 2010 in Providence, Rhode Island. Spectators with WiFi capable devices will be able to access the internet for free, allowing them to check for weather and traffic updates for downtown Providence, as well as any other web-based applications.

The service also will be available at the Cox Providence Rhode Races registration and fitness expo at the Westin Hotel, Saturday, May 1. This is the location where runners pick up their race packets. On race day, the hotspot will be located at the Bank of America Skating Center in City Hall park near the finish line. That tent will also feature HDTVs displaying Cox Sports' live coverage of the race.

In addition to the Rhode Races, the network of free Cox WiFi hotspots includes locations such as the Rhode Island Convention Center, the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Stanley's Famous Hamburgers in Providence, and the Cheese Plate in Warren. For a full list of free hotspots, visit www.coxfreewifi.com.

The Cox Providence Rhode Races is an annual event held in downtown Providence, featuring the Cox Sports Marathon, the Shape Up RI Half Marathon, and the Harpoon 5K. For more information, visit www.coxrhoderaces.com.

More information about the free Cox WiFi hotspots and Cox Providence Rhode Races can be found at facebook.com/coxnewengland and twitter.com/coxnewengland.

About Cox Communications

Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet, telephone and wireless services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves 6.2 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising. Cox is known for pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For six years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunication; for four years, Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity; and the company holds a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.

SOURCE Cox Communications