Boingo boosts international Wi-Fi at a flat rate

Stephen Withers
Tuesday, 26 June 2007 10:11

Your IT - Home IT

Boingo Global offers subscribers access to an international network of more than 100,000 Wi-Fi hot spots for a fixed monthly charge of $US39/€29.

Boingo-affiliated hot spots are most numerous in South Korea (12,516) the UK (11,683), France (10,465) and the US (5833). Australia has a useful 393 (mostly operated by Azure), while Singapore's far smaller land area has an impressive 487.

"The days of per-minute charges and incremental roaming fees for Wi-Fi Internet access are over," said Dave Hagan, Boingo president and CEO. "Travelling for business is hard enough without having to watch the clock while you’re trying to be productive."

Accounts can be opened via Boingo's web site, at selected Hub télécom hot spots in France, or at Oslo Lufthavn Tele & Data 'IP zones" at a dozen Norwegian airports including Oslo International.

A downloadable application for Windows simplifies fining and using hotspots in the Boingo Global network.

Boingo Unlimited accounts provide unlimited usage in the US and Canada, but surcharges apply for many international locations under this plan. The new Boingo Global accounts are free from these "premium rates."

As with any all-you-can eat service, Boingo Global only offers value for money if you can use it enough. That said, travellers could find it an attractive alternative to messing around with multiple accounts or purchasing access by the minute at commercial hot spots, especially as there is no cancellation fee.