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Wayport
and Airport Wireless Networking
Wireless Networking
Wireless networking
in public spaces, also called public space networking (PSN), is a
form of wireless broadband delivery using the unregulated 2.4 GHz
band of spectrum, and the IEEE 802.11b communications protocol. Antennas
are placed at regular intervals within the public space by the provider,
and users equipped with compatible radio modems can connect to the
network at data rates of up 11Mbits per second. Business models for
the providers are usually a variation of either individual user subscriptions,
or subsidies from the location, such as a hotel paying for the service,
to resell to its customers. The former relies on users to provide
the compatible wireless modem card; the latter usually incorporates
some sort of card rental program for users. In most cases the target
demographic is business travelers, who are thought to have more need
to stay connected while on the move, and more money to do so, than
recreational travelers.
Airports
Airports seem to
be the perfect market for providers of PSN. They have a high percentage
of business travelers--47 percent of airline passenger-trips were
for business during 2000, according to the Air Transport Association.
Much of this population of travelers is a captive audience, either
waiting for flights to board or on layover between flights.
Airports also often
have very planned, linear layouts, and specific areas where business
travelers will tend to gather (terminal areas and airline lounges).
These factors ease the physical installation of the antenna network.
In many ways, though,
airports are terrible places for PSN providers. The erratic nature
of most business travel offers little incentive for travelers or
their businesses to purchase a wireless PC card, or support a monthly
subscription to a PSN provider, especially when such a small percentage
of airports are covered. Most US airports are also in the midst of
formatting or implementing comprehensive management plans for all
radio frequency use on their grounds, including PSN. The lack of
a clear demand, and the uncertainty of airport management of RF,
have made for uncertain business prospects for PSN providers in airports.
One of those providers, Aerzone, recently folded, despite signing
several deals with major airlines. The two current market leaders
are MobileStar and Wayport.
Wayport
Founded in 1996,
Wayport provides PSN to hotels and airports, as well as wired Ethernet
connectivity in some hotels. Consumers pay a per-connection fee to
access the network, which is lower in airports than it is in hotels.
The fee is less for those with a membership from Wayport, which is
actually a bulk pre-payment plan. Consumers are responsible for providing
the wireless modem PC card to access the Wayport network in airports;
some hotels and conference centers may have cards available for consumers
to rent. The decision is made at the location level, not within Wayport.
Wayport's purchase
of nine Laptop Lane locations is their first foray into wired Internet
service at airports, and will probably serve to provide a more visible
presence in airports from which to sell their PSN services. It is
unclear whether the locations will make cards available to consumers
to utilize the Wayport wireless network.
More Info*:
Wayport
Web site
Softnet Web site (parent of Laptop
lane)
*The WAVE Report
is not responsible for content on additional sites
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