Las Vegas International Deploys Largest Free Airport Wi-Fi Network in the United States
Aruba Wireless Networks (Aruba) today announced that the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, a global leader in airport management, will provide the country’s largest free airport- widewireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) service, covering nearly 2 million square feet, using its centralized wireless system.
Over 36 million travelers that pass through McCarran airport each year will be able to take advantage of the free service from anywhere within the airport.
The new Wi-Fi service will allow McCarran to ultimately provide a wide range of innovative services to travelers such as being able to check flight information from Wi-Fi enabled displays and access reservation kiosk services. The new wireless environment is also being used to support airport productivity and operational applications.
“Our implementation of wireless is clearly unique and somewhat controversial,” said Sam Ingalls, director of Information Systems for Clark County Department of Aviation. “We believe by making wireless access pervasive and free to travelers, we can help to bring rates and improve the quality of their travel which, in today’s travel industry, is a huge plus. We looked at the current business models out there but just didn’t see charging consumers for Wi-Fi as the answer to leveraging Wi-Fi as a tool at McCarran.”
Ingalls noted that beyond simply providing public Wi-Fi service, McCarran can offer unique new services that speed travelers through the airport. “We can now employ, for instance, roving attendants with wireless handheld devices and pocket printers approach travelers waiting in line to check them in so they don’t miss their flight.”
