Boingo's Beijing Airport Service: Does It Work?

If you're a frequent traveller, chances are you've heard of Boingo, the American company that provides Wi-Fi access to over a million hotspots worldwide. But does Boingo work in Beijing Airport? In short, yes. Boingo users can connect to the internet through Boingo hotspots at Beijing Capital International Airport. The airport also offers its own free and unlimited Wi-Fi service, which can be accessed by connecting to the AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI network. However, this service may be subject to speed limitations during peak hours.

How to connect to Boingo at Beijing Airport

Boingo Wireless, Inc. is an American company that designs, builds and manages wireless networks. It has more than one million Wi-Fi hotspots around the world, including Beijing Airport.

Step 1: Connect to the Boingo network

On your device, connect to the SSID "AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI".

Step 2: Open a web browser

Open any web page via Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari or any other browser.

Step 3: Get a free username and password

For first-time login, input your mobile number and click "Get Free Account". You will receive a text message with your username and password. Input these into the relevant fields and click "Log In" to connect to the internet.

If you are logging in for the second time, simply input your username and password and click "Log In".

If you are a Boingo user, you can also connect to the internet through the Boingo hotspot directly.

Boingo's history and acquisitions

Boingo Wireless, Inc. is an American company that designs, builds, and manages wireless networks. It was founded in 2001 by Earthlink co-founder Sky Dayton, who wanted to address the fragmented state of Wi-Fi networks at the time.

In March 2007, Boingo acquired Concourse Communications Group, extending its services into Wi-Fi and cellular Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) networks at airports. This was followed by the acquisition of Opti-Fi Networks' Wi-Fi holdings in November 2008, adding another 25 airport Wi-Fi networks to its portfolio.

In May 2011, Boingo Wireless went public, giving the company a market cap of approximately $439 million. However, the stock price dropped soon afterward, and the IPO was initially viewed as a failure. The stock recovered a year later, and the company continued to grow through acquisitions and partnerships.

In February 2013, Boingo acquired Endeka Group, a provider of Wi-Fi and IPTV services to military bases and federal law enforcement training facilities. In the same year, they announced contracts with the US Air Force, US Army, and US Marine Corps to install IPTV and broadband access networks on their posts.

In September 2013, Boingo acquired its largest competitor, Advanced Wireless Group (AWG), which operated networks at 17 US airports. This acquisition solidified Boingo's presence in North America's top 50 airports and expanded its reach globally.

In February 2014, Boingo launched Passpoint Secure hotspot service at 24 US airports, and in June 2014, they partnered with American Express to offer Platinum cardholders free wireless access.

In April 2015, Boingo struck a deal with Sprint Corporation to offload their customer traffic onto Boingo's Wi-Fi networks at 35 US airports, improving Sprint's network performance.

In July 2018, Boingo deployed a private LTE network using Citizen's Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) at Dallas' Love Field Airport. They also acquired Elauwit Networks, a multifamily and student housing Wi-Fi provider, and were selected by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) of New York to build and maintain wireless services for the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Atlantic Branch and Grand Central Terminal.

In February 2019, Boingo expanded a Wi-Fi roaming agreement with AT&T, offering seamless and complimentary connections on their Passpoint-certified networks. In August of the same year, they partnered with Verizon to bring 5G service to indoor public spaces.

In March 2021, Boingo Wireless Inc. announced an agreement with investment firm Digital Colony Management LLC to be acquired for approximately $854 million. The transaction was completed in June 2021, and Boingo transitioned from a public to a privately-held company, with its stock delisted from Nasdaq.

Boingo has a vast footprint of DAS, Wi-Fi, and small cells, reaching over a billion people annually. They provide wireless connectivity in airports, transit stations, stadiums, military bases, hospitals, and commercial properties worldwide.

Boingo's services and products

Boingo is a global wireless leader, providing connectivity solutions for businesses worldwide. With over 15 years of experience, Boingo is the go-to provider for venues, carriers, and companies, helping them keep their customers connected.

Services and Products

Boingo offers a range of wireless network solutions, including:

• 5G and Wi-Fi networks: Boingo provides high-speed 5G and Wi-Fi connectivity for airports, transportation hubs, sports venues, and more. They have transformed airports such as Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and London Heathrow Airport with their 5G and Wi-Fi services.
• Distributed Antenna System (DAS): Boingo's DAS solutions ensure reliable and consistent wireless coverage in large venues, such as stadiums and arenas.
• Wi-Fi: Boingo's award-winning Wi-Fi network spans over a million hotspots across six continents. They offer customizable programs to provide unlimited free Wi-Fi to customers.
• Roaming and White Label solutions: Boingo helps businesses extend their network reach and add value for their customers through simple roaming agreements or turnkey Wi-Fi products under their brand name.
• Edge and Cloud Computing: Boingo's edge and cloud computing solutions are built into networks to improve IoT and consumer device performance, enhance data security, and provide actionable insights.
• IoT and Smart Buildings: Boingo's IoT solutions help venues accelerate their digital transformation, making connectivity seamless for people and devices.
• Boingo Media: Boingo Media offers free Wi-Fi in exchange for users engaging with advertisements. This platform allows brands to reach and engage with their target audience through Wi-Fi advertising.

In addition to these services, Boingo also provides network monetization solutions for wireless providers, helping them generate revenue and enhance the customer experience.

Boingo's competitors

Boingo Wireless is a company that provides wireless connectivity solutions for mobile devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets. It manages and operates its own network and also aggregates other networks.

Some of Boingo's competitors include:

• Cogent Communications: Provides internet access and data transport services over fiber optic and IP data networks, as well as data center services.
• Spok Holdings: Operates through its subsidiary Spok, providing healthcare communications solutions.
• Towerstream: Provides fixed wireless broadband services.
• Kodiak Networks: Designs and develops mobile enterprise software and communication services.
• Tucows: Specializes in mobile and internet connectivity solutions.
• Tarana Wireless: Specializes in non-line-of-sight (NLoS) wireless transport solutions.
• Mobilitie: Provides wireless real estate solutions.
• Cambium Networks: Provides wireless broadband solutions.
• Common Networks: Provides broadband internet access.
• Metronet: Provides fiber-optic internet, television, and telephone services for residential and business customers.

Now, regarding Boingo at the Beijing Capital International Airport, here is some information I found:

Beijing Capital International Airport offers free and unlimited WiFi. For users with Chinese cell phones, they simply need to connect to the SSID "AIRPORT-FREE-WiFi" and then open any webpage through their browser. They will then receive a free username and password via SMS.

For users without Chinese cell phones, they will need to scan their passports to get access. Boingo account holders should be able to automatically connect to Boingo hotspots at the airport.

Boingo's advertising and marketing

Boingo Wireless, Inc. is an American company that designs, builds, and manages wireless networks. It has more than one million Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide and its networks include distributed antenna systems, small cells, and macro towers. The company was founded in 2001 by Earthlink co-founder Sky Dayton to address the fragmented state of Wi-Fi networks at the time.

Boingo's advertising strategy, Boingo Media, involves selling advertising on its Wi-Fi platform. Consumers can receive free Wi-Fi in exchange for watching an ad. This strategy is particularly effective at airports, where travellers are a captive and engaged audience eager to make the most of their dwell time while awaiting their flights.

At Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), for example, travellers can connect to free Wi-Fi through the network "AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI". If they are a "Boingo" user, they can also connect directly through the "Boingo" hotspot. This is a powerful marketing strategy as it allows brands to promote their products, services, or messages to passengers before they begin their complimentary internet experience.

Boingo Media enables brands to engage and empower active, tech-savvy travellers and consumers with the most requested traveller amenity: free, high-speed Wi-Fi. The platform offers comprehensive performance analytics, including customizable brand lift studies and point-of-sale/conversion reporting and attribution. It also guarantees 100% viewability, brand safety, and share of voice.

Boingo manages world-class wireless networks across over 30 US airports and 50 global airports, including Beijing Capital International Airport, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, London, and São Paulo. The company has also expanded into Wi-Fi and cellular networks at airports through the acquisition of Concourse Communications Group in 2007 and Opti-Fi Networks' Wi-Fi holdings in 2008.

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