Cablevision Systems Corp plans to spend $350 million to build a wireless broadband network to serve its subscribers in the New York area, reports Reuters.

Tom Rutledge, Cablevision’s coo, said the new network, which will be completed within the next two years, and will be accessible via Wi-Fi-enabled portable devices such as iPhones and laptops. "Ultimately it will be a mobile voice-capable network," he said.

Rutledge said the network will be accessible for free to existing customers. "Creating this value proposition for customers will enhance our service and cement our relationship with customers for the long haul," he said Rutledge. "It will allow us to offer our services beyond our network," he added.

Cablevision said it has been testing the service in small areas across its 3.1 million subscriber customer base.