The Triangle is one of three new markets where Time Warner Cable has begun deploying its outdoor WiFi network to enable customers to access the Internet.

More than 3,000 “hit spots” are now available in and around Raleigh, TWC says.

The service is free for TWC Business customers and for residential users who meet qualifying service tiers, including minimum “Standard” or “Extreme.”

TWC also recently made available faster Internet access in the Triangle as part of a digital network upgrade.

The company faces increasing competition from high-speed Internet providers such as AT&T, Frontier Communications and CenturyLink. Google Fiber also plans to enter the Triangle market.

WiFi access also enables TWC to better compete for Internet access needed by wireless phone customers who might want alternatives to data rather than paying for cellular usage.

Among the areas where WiFi from TWC is available include:

• Crabtree Valley Mall
• North Hills Mall
• Capital Blvd Town Center
• Cameron Village
• Hillsborough Street
• Downtown Chapel Hill area
• Area around N.C. State University
• Area around University of North Carolina
• Area around Duke University
• Clayton Main Street
• E Lenoir Street

TWC launched its WiFi network in 2011, and areas already included are Charlotte as well as Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The other new markets announced Thursday are Dallas and San Antonio.

According to TWC, its customers access WiFi service more than 180 million times in 2014, a year-over-year increase of 327 percent.

TWC now operates more than 100,000 hot spots across the country and is partnered with other providers, growing the accessible network to more than 400,000 spots.

“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.,” said Rob Cerbone, VP of Wireless Product Management for Time Warner Cable. “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. Most importantly, our customers are noticing.  Last year, TWC Internet customers engaged in more than 180 million WiFi sessions on our network, a 327% increase over the previous year.”

For non-TWC Internet customers, TWC offers a “pay as you go” program with an “Access Pass” for an hour, seven days or 30 days starting at $2.95 per hour. 

For more details, visit: twc.com/wifi