Chicago Department of Aviation and Boingo Wireless Launch Unlimited Wi-Fi to Enhance the Passenger Experience at O’Hare and Midway
CHICAGO – The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) today announced that unlimited free Wi-Fi is now available for the first time to passengers at O’Hare International and Midway International Airports. The new service, provided by Boingo Wireless, has been upgraded to replace time-based free Wi-Fi sessions with unlimited free Wi-Fi at all locations in the airports.
Passengers flying through Chicago’s airports can now receive fast and free unlimited Wi-Fi, with streaming capability, courtesy of advertisers. This hybrid Wi-Fi model gives passengers more choice and control to satisfy the varying demands of today’s connected consumers.
“We are pleased that O’Hare and Midway now offer free unlimited Wi-Fi to better serve our passengers by keeping them connected throughout their airport journey,” said Ginger S. Evans, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Aviation. “As we grow and modernize Chicago’s airports, the new service underscores our commitment to integrating new technology and platforms that enhance the passenger experience at Chicago’s airports.”
Previously, Chicago’s airports offered free Wi-Fi for all customers with a 30-minute limit. Starting in April, passengers will have unlimited free Wi-Fi, with rolling advertisements every 45 minutes. Passengers may also opt for even faster speeds by purchasing a one-day or monthly Boingo subscription.
The new service for O’Hare and Midway comes at no cost the City of Chicago, and ahead of two significant new modernization programs designed to modernize and prepare Chicago’s airports for future growth. These programs will include new security as well as advanced technologies designed to provide a more seamless experience for customers traveling through Chicago.
The CDA also offers internet connectivity through Passpoint, a Next Generation Hotspot (NGH) technology that automatically connects travelers to Wi-Fi networks with no log-ins or passwords required. The world’s first commercial NGH Wi-Fi network was deployed at O’Hare in 2013.
“Passpoint is a wireless industry standard that makes Wi-Fi automatic and seamless, much like the experience a passenger has when using his or her cellular service,” said Boingo Chairman and CEO David Hagan. “With Passpoint and unlimited free Wi-Fi sessions, travelers can enjoy simplified ways to get online and stay online.” News Release/page 2
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About Chicago Department of Aviation
The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is self-supporting, using no local or state tax dollars for operations or capital improvements at O’Hare and Midway International Airports. Chicago’s airports offer service to nearly 250 nonstop destinations worldwide, including 42 foreign countries, combined. Together, Chicago’s airports serve more than 100 million passengers
