Software and roaming services provider Boingo Wireless has introduced Hotspot 2.0 networks at 21 airports in the US.
The launch includes the addition of a new ‘Passpoint Secure’ network, which offers instant access to users on iOS 7 devices such as smartphones and tablets.
The airports include Chicago Midway International (MDW), Los Angeles International (LAX) and New York JFK International (JFK).
Without the need for login pages, Passpoint-certified mobile devices automatically identify and authenticate to Passpoint-enabled hotspots associated with their Wi-Fi provider.
Users download Passpoint profile to allow the device establish a WPA2-encrypted connection in range of a supported hotspot.
Once users download a Passpoint profile, they will also get access to Boingo’s partner networks that are Passpoint-enabled for roaming.
The Hotspot 2.0 networks are now available for mobile operators who want to leverage Wi-Fi authentication for carrier offload.
Boingo Wireless chief technology officer Derek Peterson said: “Subscribers with unlimited Wi-Fi accounts will benefit from automatic logins to secure networks as soon as they walk in the terminal or step off a plane.”
Current analysis consumer and infrastructure research president Peter Jarich said: “Making Wi-Fi connectivity and roaming as seamless and secure as cellular has been the Hotspot 2.0 promise since its inception.
“By rolling out ‘Passpoint Secure’ to 21 airports serving nearly a half-billion passengers a year, Boingo is helping to advance the ecosystem for standards-based roaming and carrier data offload while maximising the use of available spectrum.”
