Time Warner Cable said it has expanded its metro WiFi network to three new cities – Dallas; San Antonio; and Raleigh, N.C. -- and has now deployed more than 100,000 TWC WiFi hotspots across its national WiFi network. 

TWC, which is in the process of merging with Charter Communications,  also operates WiFi networks in parts of New York City, Los Angeles, Austin, Kansas City, Charlotte, Myrtle Beach, San Diego, Palm Springs, and Hawaii.

TWC said those hotspots now factor into more than 400,000 that are now offered via the Cable WiFi roaming consortium, a group that also includes Comcast, Cablevision Systems, Bright House Networks, and Cox Communications. TWC Internet subs also have access to WiFi hotspots deployed at more than 100 “premium” Boingo locations, including 25 of the busiest airports in the U.S., in the wake of a roaming deal announced by the companies in June 2014.

Last year, TWC Internet subs engaged in more than 180 million WiFi sessions on its network, up 327% from the previous year, according to Rob Cerbone, VP of wireless product management for TWC.

In addition to providing access to its WiFi network as a perk to its broadband subs and to consumers who take service from Boingo or one of the Cable WiFi partners, TWC also offers access to non-subs via a pay-as-you-go program that starts at $2.95 per hour.

“In today’s highly mobile world, one of the biggest benefits of being a TWC Internet customer is access to free WiFi throughout the U.S.,” Cerbone said, in a statement. “We’re growing our network every day and helping customers stay connected to what matters to them most by offering superfast broadband Internet speeds whether they are at home or away.”

Time Warner Cable and Boingo Wireless said they have expanded on a Passpoint WiFi roaming access deal that they announced in June.

Billing it as the “first reciprocal Passpoint roaming agreement in the world,” the deal allows qualified TWC high-speed Internet and Boingo subs to connect to thousands of WiFi hotspots at high-traffic locations, including 25 of the busiest U.S. airports, including Chicago’s O’Hare International (ORD), Los Angeles International (LAX), Austin-Bergstrom International), and John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia and Newark Liberty International airports.

When the agreement was first announced, it covered more than 100 “Premium” Boingo WiFi locations and about 35,000 TWC WiFi hotspots. As the scope of the deal expands, in time for the holiday travel season, Boingo subs now have access to more than 60,000 TWC hotspots. Qualified users equipped with devices outfitted with Passpoint profiles will be albe to access hotspots emitting the “TWCWiFi-Passpoint” and Boingo “Passpoint Secure” networks.

The Passpoint component brings added security and cellular-like handoff capabilities to WiFi. TWC announced its commitment to Passpoint in April.

“Passpoint technology provides significant value to our customers. Our Passpoint roaming integration with Boingo will keep our users connected to this advanced technology during their travels, helping us provide maximum wireless security to our TWC Internet consumers when they’re surfing the Internet out of home,” said Rob Cerbone, VP of wireless product management for TWC, in a statement.

“The launch of reciprocal Passpoint roaming in the U.S. marks a significant milestone for the wireless industry, but more importantly it makes the best possible WiFi connectivity experience available to even more customers in key locations throughout the U.S.,” added  Dr. Derek Peterson, Boingo’s CTO. “Our partnership with TWC gives our customers truly widespread access to simple, seamless and secure WiFi in key markets nationwide.”

Time Warner Cable has become the first cable operator to forge a bilateral roaming access deal with WiFi network operator Boingo.

Financial terms were not announced, but the roaming component will give TWC broadband subs access to more than 100 “premium” Boingo locations, including 23 high-traffic  airports in the U.S. as well as several NYC-area subway stations, while also providing certain Boingo customers with access to more than 35,000 WiFi hotspots the MSO has deployed in markets such as New York; Los Angeles; Austin, Texas; and Charlotte, N.C.

The companies, both members of the Wireless Broadband Alliance that are participating in next-gen trials, said they will also complete a Passpoint-enabled integration later this year that will enable TWC and Boingo customers to connect seamlessly and securely with their Passpoint-certified devices and account credentials. Last month, TWC announced it had added Passpoint security and Hotspot 2.0 technology to most of its hotspots, a move that brings cellular-like capabilities to its growing WiFi network.

Boingo, which offers access to more than 1 million hotspots globally, said its Unlimited subscribers can take advantage of TWC hotspots in L.A., NYC, Austin, Charlotte, Myrtle Beach, Hawaii and Kansas City. Not covered by the agreement announced Tuesday are hotspots operated by other MSOs that are part of the “Cable WiFi” alliance (Bright House Networks, Cox Communications, Comcast, and Cablevision Systems), which have deployed more than 250,000 so far. Boingo is currently promoting the Unlimited service for $4.98 per month, down from a regular price of $9.95 per month, for up to two WiFi devices.

“Our agreement with Time Warner Cable greatly enhances our network of partner hotspots in the U.S., providing added value for our Boingo Unlimited and Boingo Mobile customers. We’re thrilled to extend access to the TWC WiFi Hotspots to our customers in cities from coast to coast,” said Nick Hulse, president, Boingo Wireless, in a statement.

TWC customers, meanwhile, can will be able to connect to the select Boingo hotspots via the WiFi provider’s service set identifier (SSID). Boingo hotspots covered by the agreement include airports such as La Guardia, JFK and Newark, Chicago O’Hare International, Raleigh-Durham International, Dallas Love Field, Austin Bergstrom, Denver International Airport, Memphis International and Nashville International. Also covered: 36 NYC subway station platforms, Soldier Field in Chicago, and “several” Washington State ferries.

“Free Wi-Fi adds tremendous value to our Internet service.  Now, our customers can stay connected when they travel with free access to Boingo Hotspots in major airports and other popular locations around the country,” added Rob Cerbone, VP of mobile products for TWC.

TWC said the new Boingo hotspots covered by the agreement have been added to its WiFi coverage map, and will soon be added to the TWC Finder app.