ZDNet recently reported that implementation of wireless Net access could be one of the moves that takes a sideline at US airports, as they instead opt to spend the cash on upgrading security following the September 11 terrorist attacks.
However, Brisbane Airport, in conjunction with wireless network provider SkyNetGlobal, intends to roll out wireless Internet access throughout its entire terminal, an Australian first according to SkyNetGlobal which currently provides high-speed wireless Internet access in all Qantas Club lounges in 16 airports throughout Australia and New Zealand.
SkyNetGlobal will install, manage and maintain the 802.11b standard-based infrastructure of about 50 base-stations throughout the airport over a long-term agreement, the duration of which is undisclosed. The service provider claims to be in discussions with other airports concerning similar deals, according to CEO Jonathon Soon.
The airport's wireless offering will provide SkyNetGlobal customers access to high-speed Web browsing, email and office LAN, with pricing plans ranging from a casual rate Freedom Plan with a AU$12 an hour access charge, to subscriber plans with fees between AU$20 to AU$95 per month, Soon said.
As previously reported by ZDNet, uncertainties about the security of 802.11b could be an additional reason why US airports are giving wireless LANs a wide berth.
However, wireless networks are as secure as any other, according to Soon. -We run 120-bit encryption throughout."
-The network is secure and really it's up to the users or corporate customer what level of security they want to run through it," Soon said. -It's the responsibility of the company to put their own security on top of it."
Asked about fear of 802.11b insecurities, Soon said he thought the US attitude was -a little over the top". However, he admitted it depends how much information is going across the network. General public users wouldn't be communicating a high level of information, he said.
Although Brisbane Airport's wireless LAN is ostensibly for public use the infrastructure is available to airport employees, Soon said. However, -we haven't finalised details of the airport's own internal use," he added.
Brisbane Airport management declined to comment.
