The Bloomingdale Trail Now Has Wi-Fi Hotspots

By Jim Bochnowski in News on Jul 27, 2015 9:00PM

If you love the great outdoors, but are habitually attached to your phone, good news. Comcast is bringing broadband Wi-Fi to The 606.

In an announcement today, the omnipresent corporate giant said it would add the 2.7-mile outdoor trail to its expanding list of Wi-Fi hotspots. While Comcast does not have exclusive rights to deliver wireless internet to the trail, "no other provider has taken the initiative to add hot spots specifically for enhanced service to The 606," a parks rep told the Chicago Tribune.

In a statement, Chicago Parks CEO Michael Kelly said:

"The 606 not only serves the neighborhoods it touches, but offers the opportunity for other residents and visitors to explore the diverse and culturally rich communities it surrounds. With the reinvention of this former rail line to a multi-purpose trail that encourages fitness and recreation, adding Internet access will add an extra benefit for our patrons."

In a brief blog post describing "10 Hidden Wi-Fi Hotspots You Never Knew Were There," Comcast suggests that you "Relax in one of the seating areas in this unique urban space, and connect to the Internet to learn about the art, architecture and nature along the trail, as well as park programming."

According to Comcast's website, existing XFINITY subscribers will be able to access these Wi-Fi hotspots for free, while everyone else will get two complimentary 60-minute wireless sessions per month. After running over your time limit, you will be able to buy hourly passes for $2.95 and weekly passes for $19.95.

As someone who loves to use music streaming services while going for a run, this is certainly welcome news. And with Comcast's stellar record of complete reliability, what could go wrong?