f Free airport WiFi could be important in emergencies at Stephenson blogs on homeland security 2.0 et al.

« et al.: More details on the Iraq blanket program | Home | et al.: Mighty Casey has struck out »

Free airport WiFi could be important in emergencies

By WDavidStephenson | December 11, 2007

I got into the wireless strategy field when doing a strategy plan for a late, un-lamented Internet strategy company in 2000. Trying to figure out what locale in the US even came close to the creative use of wireless devices common in Europe and Asia, it occurred to me that t airports, given business travelers’ need to communicate and their reliance on wireless, might be somewhat sophisticated.

After entering the homeland security field, I argued that airports could both make post 9/11-travel less-stressful and more safe by offering free WiFi. It would allow them, for example, to give customized, location-based evacuation routes, etc. in an emergency.

Yet most airports, enticed with visions of new revenue streams (which rarely materialized), decided to charge for WiFi access. That’s why it’s great to see that Denver has gotten with the program and is now offering free WiFi.
Within a week and with no publicity, usage increased 10-fold!

I’m convinced that once concessionaires realize this service’s potential, airports will find the free systems will pay for themselves because of the possibility of offering real-time, location-based sales services (remember that a lot of travelers are navigating unknown terminals, so knowing where a Hudson News or Starbucks is near where you’re sitting can be important, and vendors can also offer time-sensitive specials to travelers near them right now). High usage will also mean the public will be familiar with the systems in case of an emergency, so it can then switch instantly to emergency directions, etc.

Tell a friend:

Technorati tags:

Sphere: Related Content

Topics: technology, empowering public, e-gov transformation, networked security | |