NEW YORK, March 1 (UPI) -- Rising pressure to provide free WiFi service at U.S. airports is countered by economic realities, the managing director of two airport networks said.
With an increasing number of gadgets relying on WiFi connections, including phones, digital readers and laptop computers, there is increasing pressure for airports to manage free WiFi services for travelers, USA Today reported Monday.
Richard Bogen, managing director of FreeFiNetworks -- system operator for airports in Denver and Oakland, Calif. -- said "there's pressure to go free, but also economic pressure not to."
Currently, travelers run into a variety of options. Of the 20 busiest airports, 12 charge for connecting to the Internet through their WiFi systems. Airports in Denver, Seattle, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Boston and a few others offer free connections. Travelers at Houston Bush Intercontinental find the service is free for the first 45 minutes for users who watch a 30 second commercial.
Those who want to skip the commercial in Houston can pay a fee, instead, the newspaper said.
