Detroit Metro Airport To Launch Free Wireless Internet Option For Travelers
DETROIT -- By this fall, travelers passing through Detroit Metropolitan Airport will enjoy a new, no-cost option for limited, wireless Internet access throughout both passenger terminals.
The Wayne County Airport Authority Board, which oversees DTW, Wednesday approved an agreement with the Los Angeles, Calif.-based airport technology provider Boingo Wireless Inc. that will enable the airport to offer a two-tiered internet access service model, providing both an ad-supported basic level and a paid, premium-level Internet connection option to travelers.
"Free wi-fi in the terminals is by far the most requested amenity by our customers," said WCAA interim CEO Tom Naughton. "This new, two-tiered approach will provide an ad-supported access option for casual Internet users, while still enabling power users who are willing to pay for premium access to do so."
Under the new service model, Boingo will introduce a new option for travelers to connect to the airport's wireless network for 30 minutes at no cost upon viewing a 30-second video advertisement. Users who require an extended or high-speed connection will continue to have the option to connect via one of Boingo's existing service plans.
Because the launch of a no-cost option is estimated to more than triple the demand on the airport's wireless infrastructure, the agreement approved by the WCAA Board includes significant network equipment upgrades. Upgrade work will begin immediately, enabling the new, ad-supported service tier to launch by September.
For more information regarding Boingo's service plans and pricing, visit www.boingo.com.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport welcomed more than 32 million passengers in 2011. With service from 13 scheduled passenger airlines, DTW offers more than 1,200 flights per day to and from nearly 150 destinations on four continents. In 2010, DTW ranked highest in overall customer satisfaction among large airports in the J.D. Power and Associates North America Airport Satisfaction Study. The airport features two new passenger terminals, six jet runways, and an onsite AAA Four-Diamond Westin hotel.
DTW is operated by Wayne County Airport Authority, which also operates nearby Willow Run Airport, an important corporate, cargo and general aviation facility. The Airport Authority is entirely self-sustaining and does not receive any tax dollars to support airport operations. For more information about Metro Detroit's airports, visit www.metroairport.com.
