Users of transport services provided by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey stand to gain fresh connectivity options involving Wi-Fi and 5G through a long-term agreement signed with neutral host network provider Boingo Wireless.
The networking company stated the agreement covers connectivity for a wide range of the Port Authority’s properties spanning air, sea and land travel. The portfolio adds to the more than 130 airports and transport hubs Boingo Wireless already manages globally.
Boingo Wireless explained the Port Authority is seeking to up its game in terms of regional transport connectivity and customer experience. To achieve this, the company is tasked with upgrading and expanding 5G and Wi-Fi networks at airports, crossings, seaports, and rail and bus stations.
The John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia airports are among a total of four covered by the deal.
Stations on the PATH mass transit rail network, Midtown bus terminal, and the Holland and Lincoln tunnels are included, along with the Port Newark-Elizabeth Port Authority Marine Terminal container ship facility.
Rick Cotton, executive director of the Port Authority, said traveller experience and data transmission capabilities are key goals for the neutral host deployment.
The latter is expected to “provide top-grade connectivity for our ground service workers and other back-of-house partners”.
Port Authority chair Kevin O’Toole added it expects to provide customers with “secure, high-speed connectivity that keeps pace with modern expectations”.
Boingo Wireless explained the updated deal runs until at least 2038, with a five-year extension option.
It noted the network would be open to all major US operators, though emphasised encryption, traffic segmentation and monitoring are included by design for security reasons.
Source: https://www.mobileworldlive.com/5g/boingo-scores-major-new-york-connectivity-deal/
