Buffalo among airports getting free Wi-Fi for holidays
Published: November 11, 2009, 12:30 am
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Google is playing Santa to airport travelers across the country this holiday season.
The company is providing free Wi-Fi access at 47 airports, including Buffalo Niagara International Airport, from now until Jan. 15.
“We’re very pleased to have been selected to offer free Wi-Fi service during what is the busiest travel time of the year,” said C. Douglas Hartmayer, director of public affairs for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority. “It’s a nice thing for people to enjoy, and it’s kind of an early holiday present for our passengers.”
Wi-Fi rates at the Cheektowaga airport usually run $7.95 for a 24-hour pass and $21.95 a month for access.
Other airports participating in the Google promotion include those in Las Vegas; Orlando, Fla.; and Charlotte, N. C.
Google arranged the deal with individual airports as well as Boingo Wireless, Advanced Wireless Group, Airport Marketing Income. Boingo Wireless is Buffalo Niagara International Airport’s service provider.
In October, Google announced a deal with Virgin American Airlines to offer free in-flight Wi-Fi access during the same holiday period.
Users accessing any of the free Wi-Fi offers will encounter additional Web advertising.
As an extension of Google’s holiday promotion, airport wireless users will be invited to make charitable donations upon logging in. Google will match donations to Engineers Without Borders, the One Economy Corporation and the Climate Savers Computing Initiative up to $250,000. The airport whose passengers donate the most money will receive an additional $15,000 from Google to donate to the local charity of its choice.
schristmann@buffnews.com
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