Passengers at San Francisco International Airport will soon be enjoying upgrades to the hub’s free wireless Internet service.
The Airport Commission approved a contract Tuesday with the Advanced Wireless Group that will ensure SFO’s current Wi-Fi services remain intact for at least the next two years.
Patrons at the airport have been able to log on for free since Sept. 1, but that was due to a temporary agreement between SFO and T-Mobile. The two sides ended a contract in June, and SFO had been without a long-term Internet provider since.
Tuesday’s contract agreement will allow the Advanced Wireless Group to operate SFO’s wireless system for the next two years. Under the terms of the deal, the company will upgrade the current wireless infrastructure to meet new capacity demands.
The free wireless service will continue to be available at the International Terminal, terminals 1 and 3 and the rental car center, while expanding to include SFO’s newly renovated Terminal 2 that’s set to open next month.
After the first two years, the Airport Commission will have the option of extending the contract for another three years. If the contract lasts the entire duration, the company will pay SFO $1.38 million.
The private company plans to recoup its investment through advertising and sponsorship opportunities. It currently has concessions at eight other airports, including Miami, Boston, Atlanta, Burbank and Providence, R.I.
