* More Wi-Fi on the way
Wireless LAN access is becoming more readily available for traveling business users. Wayport, one of a handful of companies deploying a network of 802.11b access points, has been steadily expanding its reach since early this year.
Last week, the service provider announced that it is teaming up with CNN Airport Network to provide Wi-Fi services at up to 38 airports in the U.S. Wayport will use CNN’s satellite network, which delivers television programming to passengers waiting for flights.
Airports that chose to offer the Wayport service are required to add a “simple” upgrade to their existing network.
Last month, Wayport added three hotels to its list of more than 500 hotel sites that offer Wayport Wi-Fi access. The hotels include the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, The Houstonian Hotel Club & Spa, and the John Q. Hammons Hotels.
In January, Wayport also announced a roaming agreement with AT&T Wireless that allows users to roam on either service provider’s Wi-Fi network. Wayport also has network-roaming deals with Boingo, iPass and Gric.
* For a map of Wayport access points check out: https://www.wayport.net/locationshttps://www.wayport.net/includedfiles/WayportP1.pdf
* For a list of locations check out:
Earlier in January, Wayport also signed a joint marketing deal with Intel. Wayport will help Intel promote its Centrino mobile technology for laptops and Intel will help promote Wayport’s Wi-Fi service offerings.
Wayport is also working with Dell to offer Dell Latitude and Inspiron laptop users discounted Wi-Fi services.
To date, Wayport is one of the largest 802.11b Wi-Fi network service provider. But competition is expected to heat up this year as Cometa Networks, a joint venture between AT&T Wireless, IBM and Intel begins to roll out its network of nationwide access points.
