Separate Wi-Fi Deployments Spread Coverage of Airports

Business travelers' access to wireless broadband service while waiting for a plane became a little broader today with a pair of Wi-Fi launches in different parts of the country. AT&T Wireless Services [NYSE: AWE] launched service at Philadelphia International Airport. AT&T's service covers the airport's gate and concourse areas and represents the sixth major airport where AT&T Wireless provides Wi-Fi service. AT&T's pricing offers single-day access - - unlimited access for 24 hours from a single location -- for $9.99 or various subscription plans.

Meanwhile, Rhode Island-based provider ICOA Inc. [OTC: ICOA] has launched Wi-Fi, as well as wired access, at Louisiana's Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport. ICOA is using a slightly different model, pairing its "neutral host" Wi-Fi access points with wired Internet kiosks to serve customers of any carrier or even those travelling without laptops. ICOA is offering service under a fiveyear shared revenue contract with the airport.

For more on this story and other critical issues affecting the broadband industry, see the latest edition of Communications Today's sister publication Broadband Business Report. For details, visit http://www.telecomweb.com/cgi/catalog/info?BBN . For the latest in breaking news and industry developments concerning broadband, visit the Broadband Channel of Telecom Web at http://www.telecomweb.com/broadband/feature.htm .