Boingo To Offer Monthly Flat-Rate Service

The New York Times reported on June 24 that Boingo Wireless, one of the biggest aggregators with more than 100K hot spots, is introducing the first worldwide flat-rate plan for Wi-Fi hot spots. For a monthly fee of 29 euros, or USD39, subscribers can use any of the company’s affiliated hot spots for as long as they want. No particular software is needed, though Boingo recommends that clients download GoBoingo, a program that alerts users when they are in range of a Boingo hot spot. Boingo directly runs wireless networks at 13 of the largest North American airports, including the three in the New York area and the two in Chicago. As an aggregator, the company also allows subscribers access to 27,000 hot spots in North America, 23,000 in Asia and 51,000 in Europe, the Middle East and Africa that are owned and operated by companies like Earthlink, BT, Verizon, Sprint Nextel, and Telecom Italia.

Last year the number of hot spots accessible to the public rose 17% in New York, 37% in Paris and 27% in London. Boingo also offers an unlimited monthly flat rate for smartphones and PDAs at USD7.95. Boingo’s competitors already have plans to start their own flat-rate service.

For more info on Boingo's service, go to www.boingo.com.