Oceanic Time Warner Cable said it will launch its "4G Mobile" network early next year, offering wireless high-speed data service to customers in Honolulu and Maui.

The company did not disclose pricing for the new service, dubbed "Road Runner Mobile," but said it would be offered at a discount to customers who buy its wired cable TV and broadband services. The new service would compete with Clearwire and other wireless data services.

Oceanic's parent, Time Warner Cable, chose Hawai'i, Texas and the Carolinas as markets where it will roll out the new service.

STATE MUST PAY DEVELOPER, JUDGE RULES

A federal judge yesterday upheld an arbitrator's ruling earlier this year for the state to pay a Texas developer $1.6 million over a failed plan to redevelop piers 5 and 6 near Aloha Tower.

U.S. District Judge David Ezra issued the opinion after hearing arguments in the case on Tuesday during which the state Aloha Tower Development Corp. asked that all or nearly all of the arbitration award be rejected.

The award compensates developer Ken Hughes for some of his time spent on the project plus attorneys' fees and interest.

An arbitrator concluded that the agency's pace and manner of negotiations breached its duty to negotiate fairly in good faith, contributing to the failure of the $300 million plan for condominiums, retail and restaurant space.