Free Wi-Fi for passengers coming to four PANYNJ airports this year

PANYNJ says it is meeting a top desire of its passenger

Free Wi-Fi for passengers  at John F. Kennedy, Newark Liberty, LaGuardia and Stewart will be available this autumn.

Fall 2014 brings 30 minutes free Wi-Fi at 4 PANYNJ airports
Fall 2014 brings 30 minutes free Wi-Fi at 4 PANYNJ airports

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) has approved a project to provide 30 minutes free Wi-Fi for passengers at four of its airports. The PANYNJ says it is meeting a top desire of its passengers at JFK International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia and Stewart International Airports. Passenger feedback has consistently shown 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, to provide passengers access to limited-free Wi-Fi at the terminals.

The PANYNJ has an existing contract with Boingo and that will be modified. Boing. 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.