You’d think the SFO (San Francisco International Airport) – the premier international airport serving the tech-heavy Silicon Valley – would already offer their passengers free access to WiFi, but you’d be wrong. While the likes of Mineta San Jose International and Oakland International airports have been serving up free wireless internet access for some time, San Francisco International (SFO) has yet to fall in line. But, that will all soon change, as SFO has announced that it will be replacing their fee-based T-Mobile WiFi service with a completely free system.
Starting September 1st, SFO will be the last of the SF Bay Area’s major international airports to go live with free WiFi service. The in-airport WiFi service will compliment the in-air internet services provided by most major airlines at this point. You’ll still have to pay for in-flight WiFi, but you’ll be happy to know that you can get your fill of internet access in the airport prior to boarding your plan.
But, before all you mobile road warriors out there get too excited, we should remind you that finding a power outlet to keep your laptop juiced and ready to work is going to be your next big hurdle. As the Mercury points out, San Jose’s new Terminal B and renovated Terminal A are chock full of power outlets. SFO won’t be as friendly to your power hungry laptop.
What’s kept SFO lagging so far behind smaller airports like the Mineta San Jose airport? Well, the incentive lies with the smaller airports to provide services that will compel air travelers to choose them over the mega airports. As such, Diane Mack-Williams, San Jose’s director of airport technology services said, “Free Wi-Fi is great, but if you can’t plug in your laptop and charge your battery, it doesn’t help you.” Too true.
[Via: MercuryNews]