Res. No. 1954
Resolution calling upon the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to amend its contract with Boingo Wireless, Inc. in order to provide free Internet access at its three major airports.
By Council Members Brewer, Cabrera, Comrie, Jackson, James, Koo, Levin, Richards, Rose, Williams, Rodriguez, Vallone, Koppell, Van Bramer and Greenfield
Whereas, In 1999, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey signed a 15-year contract which gives Boingo Wireless, Inc. exclusive rights to provide wireless Internet access at LaGuardia Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport; and
Whereas, The contract can be renewed for another 10 years during a six-month window which began in August 2013; and
Whereas, Boingo currently charges $4.95 per hour or $7.95 for 24 hours for wireless Internet access at the three airports; and
Whereas, According to a July 2013 survey conducted by the Global Gateway Alliance, 15 of the 20 largest airports in the country provide free wireless Internet access and, despite being the largest airport system in the country, LaGuardia, JFK and Newark are three of the five busiest airports in the nation without free wireless Internet access; and
Whereas, Boingo already offers free advertising-support wireless Internet access at other locations, including Calgary International Airport; and
Whereas, Free wireless Internet access has become increasingly commonplace at various public spaces and facilities, reflecting our society's growing reliance on consistent access to technology and the Internet for both work and leisure; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to amend its contract with Boingo Wireless, Inc. in order to provide free Internet access at its three major airports.
LS#5050
9/19/2013
JM