Boingo Wireless unveiled a new approach Monday to providing Wi-Fi access in airports and other large venues.
Boingo’s new S.M.A.R.T. network design, which stands for secure, multiplatform, analytics-driven, responsive and tiered, looks at Wi-Fi from the ground up based on usage data that identifies multiple classes of users with different connection and usage profiles.
“Keeping passengers satisfied is more complicated than simply offering free Wi-Fi because consumers have very different needs when it comes to connectivity,” says Nick Hulse, president of Boingo. “The Wi-Fi needs of an occasional leisure traveler who gets online to check email or update Facebook before boarding are vastly different from those of a business traveler, who expects the airport Wi-Fi network to function as an extension of their office.”
The new design will include three classes of service. Complimentary Wi-Fi, supported by advertising and sponsorship, provides 5MB speed for users. Two premium tiers will exist for a price. A “turbo boosted” tier will support up to 10MB for those who want to stream media. An “Enterprise Wi-Fi” level with 20MB capabilities also will be available for frequent business travelers and others who use the airport as an enterprise tool.
“The historic methods of designing and building networks had to be completely readdressed because of the explosion in the devices and applications available and the data consumed,” says Mark Patterson, vice president of products for Boingo.
The first installations launching the new S.M.A.R.T. networks are launching by the end of the year.
