Meeting a top desire of travelers at JFK International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia and Stewart International Airports, fliers soon will be able to access complimentary Wi-Fi service, following today’s approval by the Port Authority’s Board of Commissioners of revisions to the agency’s existing contract with a subsidiary of Boingo Wireless Inc.
Customer feedback has consistently expressed a desire for free Wi-Fi access at the agency’s airports. The new arrangement allows the Port Authority’s airports to join others nationally, such as Chicago O’Hare International and George Bush Intercontinental, and also internationally such as London Gatwick and Dubai Airports, to provide travelers with access to limited-free Wi-Fi at the terminals.
Under the modified agreement, Boingo will upgrade the existing wireless technology at the Port Authority’s airports to enhance the service, with the advent of the free Wi-Fi service upon completion of those technology improvements this fall. Following the 30-minute free session, users may purchase additional access in hourly, daily, or monthly increments.
“The Port Authority has put renewed emphasis on customer service and bringing free Wi-Fi to JFK, Newark Liberty, LaGuardia and Stewart has been a top priority,’’ said Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye. “We’ve worked hard with Boingo to make changes that will significantly improve our customers’ experience at our airports.”
“Today’s announcement is further proof of the Port Authority’s unwavering commitment in recent years to improve air passengers’ experiences at our airports,’’ said Port Authority Deputy Executive Director Deb Gramiccioni. “We are focused on the myriad investments and amenities that will truly make our airports 21st century world-class operations.”
Boingo’s subsidiary, New York Telecom Partners LLC, will install, operate and maintain the expanded Wi-Fi network that will allow the 30 minutes of free service. New York Telecom will invest an estimated $3.8 million in additional hardware and software to support the upgrade, with the company recouping that investment through a cost-share arrangement with the Port Authority. The improvements will mean higher speed Internet and better signal connections for users throughout the terminals at the four airports.
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