Dublin Airport is now Ireland’s largest wireless hotspot, according to Eircom. The news follows an announcement in May that the telecoms provider had been awarded exclusive rights to provide Wi-Fi services to the airport for the next five years.
All passengers with a wirelessly enabled laptop or PDA can now get broadband access throughout the entire airport, including the check-in areas, the mezzanine food court, the Anna Livia Business Lounge and the departure gates in Pier A, B and C.
Dublin Airport is Ireland’s busiest travel hub with more than 17 million passengers using the facility in 2004 and, with the go-ahead recently given to build a second and possibly third terminal, passenger numbers are projected to rise to approximately 30 million over the next decade.
To mark the launch, Eircom is providing free wireless broadband access to all Dublin Airport passengers until Wednesday 27 July. Travellers wishing to avail of this special promotion will automatically gain access when they log on to Eircom wireless broadband while they are at the airport. From 28 July onwards, the service will cost from €3 for 30 minutes to €30 for seven days’ access. Vouchers are available for purchase from retail outlets located throughout the airport. An online payment facility is also available to customers wishing to use their credit cards when they log in.
The announcement brings to 327 the total number of Eircom wireless broadband hotspots. This includes four airports (Dublin, Knock, Sligo and Donegal), some 160 hotels, restaurants, bars and resorts and more than 140 public payphones throughout the country.
Michael Kennedy, marketing director of Eircom Retail, said: “With more than 18 million passengers expected to travel through Dublin Airport this year, the introduction of this Wi-Fi hotspot gives business and holiday travellers easy and convenient broadband access in the country’s biggest hotspot. The announcement is another step in Eircom’s plan to provide customers with the widest network of wireless hotspots in key locations.”
Eircom is also currently discussing roaming agreements with a number of other wireless broadband providers, which will allow customers who subscribe to other service providers to access their usual wireless hotspot service at Dublin Airport.
By Brian Skelly
