Wifi Revolution

ShakaNet, Inc., the largest provider of wireless Internet services in Hawaii, entered into a partnership relation with FreeFi Networks, Inc., to provide free wireless Internet access to passengers throughout the concourses, lounges and concession areas of Honolulu International Airport.

"This is the first deployment of free wireless services at Honolulu International Airport, the largest airport in the state of Hawaii," said Nam Vu, chief technology officer for ShakaNet, in a press release. ShakaNet provides Internet service at the airports throughout the islands of Hawaii as well as many of the state's premier hotels.

"We're happy to be able to provide this service at no cost to passengers at Honolulu International Airport during the holiday season," Vu said in a statement. "We would especially like to welcome our Kama'aina to enjoy the free service on any device that has WiFi (News - Alert) capabilities, even iPhones, other smart phones and iPads."

The new free WiFi access, according to Vu will be a boon to many of the state's commuters and business travelers who use the airport daily, in addition to the large influx of travelers coming to Hawaii during the holiday season. Many more locations where the ShakaNet WiFi service will be available for free will be announced by the ShakaNet/FreeFi partnership, over the next few weeks.

Free Wi-Fi access at Denver International Airport, Oakland International Airport and John Wayne Airport in Orange (News - Alert) County, Calif., is currently powered by FreeFi Networks.

"We are very excited to work with the FreeFi team leveraging their experience in providing free WiFi with our long-term commitment to proving quality service. Our goal is to deliver a free quality Internet experience to business and leisure travelers while generating revenue for the venue," Vu said in a statement.

"ShakaNet offers an outstanding wireless experience for its customers in multiple venues across Hawaii," said Richard Bogen, Chief Executive Officer of FreeFi Networks, in a press release. "We are proud to be able to partner with them to provide fast, reliable and free wireless connectivity for the thousands of people using their systems daily."

ShakaNet users will find their free WiFi experience to be particularly enhanced through advertising and content from Zinio, the exclusive provider of video advertising on the free Hawaiian network connection, Bogen said, in a press release. Zinio, the world's largest newsstand and bookstore, is revolutionizing reading by offering a vast selection of digital content and services.

"We are very excited to reach the extended traveler in the Hawaiian Islands through ShakaNet's free WiFi services," said Jeanniey Mullen, global executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Zinio, in a press release. "The free Zinio UNITY reading platform offers travelers an outstanding experience that adds convenience and fun into the travel process. We hope that all travelers will be able to use Zinio to enjoy their favorite magazines and books digitally while online in the terminals and offline once they are the plane, without adding even one more ounce of weight to their luggage."

In technology related news, Russian mobile operator Megafon has launched free Wi-Fi services in the Rostov airport. The operator plans to launch Wi-Fi services in 12 other airports including Anapa, Belgorod, Vladikavkaz, Voronezh, Gelenjik, Grozny, Krasnodar, Magas, Makhachkala, Nalchik, Stavropol and Mineralnye-Vody.