RDU To Launch Free Wi-Fi This Weekend

Modern travelers are more connected than ever.  Fewer and fewer find themselves truly detached while on the move, and the need to be connected at all times is something that the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority takes seriously.

This Saturday, the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority will launch its new public Wi-Fi program featuring free service for casual users and a premium paid service for power users. Boingo Wireless will manage and operate the tiered Wi-Fi services.

“One of the most frequent requests we receive from passengers is for free Wi-Fi service,” said Teresa Damiano, RDU’s deputy airport director of marketing and customer service. “Through our partnership with Boingo Wireless, we are able to offer a variety of Wi-Fi services that meet the diverse needs of our passengers.”

The no cost option offers a 45-minute connection. After the session times out, passengers can log back in for additional sessions. The complimentary option is designed for casual users who want to check their email or surf the web.

The paid option is a premium service for 24 hour access that, unlike the free option, will not feature ads and will have a higher download speed. Power users are those who need a higher connection in order to connect to corporate VPNs, email large files or stream video.

The cost for the premium connection is $7.95 for 24 hours or $9.95 for Boingo’s monthly plan. Both programs give users access at any airport at which Boingo provides wireless service.

Boingo’s portfolio of managed airport Wi-Fi locations includes more than 60 leading airports worldwide and at shopping malls and stadiums.

Durham has many free and paid wifi locations throughout; see the list online.