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Metro Airport Upgrades Free Wi-Fi

DETROIT (WWJ) - Detroit Metropolitan Airport Monday announced the launch of new, upgraded its free Wi-Fi service throughout both passenger terminals.

Airport customers can now enjoy unlimited wireless internet access at no cost -- and at higher speeds -- following the transition of the airport's wireless infrastructure to network provider Advanced Wireless Group LLC.

"With the demand for wireless connectivity as strong as ever, the Airport Authority is pleased to provide airport users with a significantly enhanced wireless network that now enables us to offer unlimited, free access without loss of service quality," said Wayne County Airport Authority CEO Tom Naughton. "Customers are already enjoying the increased network speed and unlimited access on the AWG network."

With DTW's transition to the AWG infrastructure, airport customers are now able to connect throughout both passenger terminals at no cost after viewing a 30-second advertisement no more than once every 45 minutes. This sponsor-supported model enables the airport to offer unlimited Internet access with robust speeds at no cost to travelers while continuing to ensure the network can support growth in demand without loss of service quality.

In addition to basic, free access, AWG's network features several premium access options for customers who require even more bandwidth or prefer an ad-free experience. Existing Boingo subscribers, as well as subscribers to any of several leading Wi-Fi providers, will continue to enjoy premium Wi-Fi access at service levels under the terms of their subscription agreement.

Said Scott Phillips, President and CEO of AWG: "With our Hybrid model in place, we are also able to provide options for both data-hungry travelers and those seeking complimentary bandwidth."

In May, WCAA announced its selection of AWG to operate, manage and maintain three related service components at DTW: Wi-Fi network and services, cellular distributed antenna system and services, and managed cabling Infrastructure and services. Each of these systems and related services are critical to meeting the needs of the airport's operations and maintaining DTW's status as a leader in customer satisfaction.

For access to Detroit Metro Airport's new, enhanced wireless network inside both passenger terminals from any Wi-Fi-enabled device, users should set their SSID to "AWG WIFI" and launch their browsers for more information.

Detroit Metro handled more than 32 million passengers in 2012, with service from 11 scheduled passenger airlines and three scheduled cargo carriers offering more than 1,100 flights a day to nearly 150 destinations. It ranked first among large airports in the 2010 J.S. Power and Associates North America Airport Satisfaction Study.

DTW is operated by Wayne County Airport Authority, which also operates nearby Willow Run Airport, a corporate, cargo and general aviation airport.

The Airport Authority is entirely self-sustaining and does not receive any tax dollars to support airport operations.

For more information about DTW airport, visit www.metroairport.com.

Founded in 2004, Advanced Wireless Group is the largest operator of free and sponsored public Wi-Fi in U.S. airports today, and the industry pioneer of the Hybrid public Wi-Fi access solution. The company also specializes in wireless network design, integration, management and monetization in airports and other large venues. For more information on AWG, visit www.awgwifi.com.

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