Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport currently offers free Wi-Fi. Photo by Barb DeLollis.
In a time when travelers are increasingly reliant on their mobile devices, the authority that operates both the George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is nearly finished rolling out of free Wi-Fi service in all terminals.
The move is also the latest example of how airports are increasing focusing on improving the passenger’s experience with everything from interesting breweries to charging stations.
In Houston, travelers have been asking for free – and reliable – Wi-Fi, Lisa Kent, the Houston Airport System’s chief technology officer, said in the airport’s statement. Wi-Fi is now available for free in all terminal areas at Hobby airport. At Bush Intercontinental Airport, free Wi-Fi is now available in two of its five terminals (A and D).
Coverage includes ticketing lobbies, baggage claims, gate areas and food courts. Expect to find free Wi-Fi in the rest of Bush Intercontinental’s terminals by the end of this year.
You won’t have to watch advertisements before logging on. What’s required? Select the SSID, “Free Airport WIFI,” and agree to the terms of use, the airport says.
Expect connection speeds that average up to 6 megabits per second (Mbps). Expecting people to want to stream video, the airport installed hundreds of access points at both IAH and Hobby Airport to ensure quality, the statement said.
“Not only do our customers gain access to free Wi-Fi service, but they’re also enjoying a major upgrade over the previous fee-based system,” Houston Aviation Director Mario C. Diaz said in a statement. “This new system improves speed and reliability, and it also introduces our customers to one of the most robust Wi-Fi networks found in any U.S. airport.”
Readers: Is finding fee airport Wi-Fi important to you when you fly?
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