Engadget

Boingo to offer its WiFi services to New York City subway stations

Billy Steele — Thu, 03 May 2012 11:51:00 EST

Your dreams of WiFi connectivity from within NYC's subway stations will soon be a reality. Boingo has announced an agreement with Transit Wireless to offer wireless internet service inside the Big Apple's subway stations. The partnership will allow eager commuters the chance to connect via their smartphones, tablets, e-readers and other WiFi-equipped devices. One-click access will be available to those with a Boingo subscription as well as through the outfit's roaming partners: Skype, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon. Right now, the plan is to roll out the new service to subway stations over the next five years. If you're jonesing for a few more details, hit the PR button below to read on.

[Image credit: pspyro2009 / Flickr]

Continue reading Boingo to offer its WiFi services to New York City subway stations

Boingo to offer its WiFi services to New York City subway stations originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 May 2012 11:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Boingo, Deutsche Telekom team up for international in-flight WiFi

Jon Fingas — Tue, 01 May 2012 22:55:00 EST

Boingo is best known for providing WiFi on the ground, but it's now working with Germany's Deutsche Telekom to spread its paid internet access to international flights, not just flights in the US. Lufthansa trips both inside Germany as well as to Canada and the US will soon let you pay with your Boingo account to stay online while you're in the air, using DT's broadband internet access as the conduit. More airlines will be coming soon, although those of us who get itchy staying offline for more than a few hours will have to pay an unspecified premium for that connection when it's ready. Check the PR after the break for the official word.

[Image credit: Jon Fingas, Flickr]

Continue reading Boingo, Deutsche Telekom team up for international in-flight WiFi

Boingo, Deutsche Telekom team up for international in-flight WiFi originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 22:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo, Boingo bring free airport WiFi to 3DS, commuter rage to slightly dip

Joseph Volpe — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 04:07:00 EST

Know what could save you from that inevitable bout of holiday travel-induced rage? Free WiFi on your 3DS, that's what. Let's be real, you and a few million others are about to be stuck waiting on a tarmac somewhere or suffocating in a boarding area throng of weary travelers. So, if you've got Nintendo's latest portable handy, you'll at least have a free internet connection to latch onto, courtesy of Boingo. The company's recently announced an agreement with the Big N to make its service free of charge to users across 42 of our nation's airports. You'll be able to take advantage of the gratis goods once your console receives a scheduled firmware update, due to roll out today. Now if that doesn't get you in a festive spirit, you're probably just a mean, green 'ol Grinch -- or a PSP owner.

Continue reading Nintendo, Boingo bring free airport WiFi to 3DS, commuter rage to slightly dip

Nintendo, Boingo bring free airport WiFi to 3DS, commuter rage to slightly dip originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 04:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Boingo announces streamlined WiFi data plans with support for any two devices

Donald Melanson — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 21:58:00 EST

Boingo's WiFi plans may come in handy for frequent travelers, but they haven't exactly been the most straightforward -- especially if you're using multiple devices. The company's gone some way towards simplifying things today, however, announcing that it's revised its unlimited WiFi data plans so that you can now use any two WiFi-enabled devices (as opposed to just two laptops) as part of the basic plan, and up to five more for an additional five bucks apiece. Unfortunately, none of those changes extend to the company's recent partnership with GoGo for in-flight internet access, which you still have to cough up the full price for.

Continue reading Boingo announces streamlined WiFi data plans with support for any two devices

Boingo announces streamlined WiFi data plans with support for any two devices originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 21:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Boingo teams with Gogo for in-flight internet magic, leaves us wanting more

Darren Murph — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:28:00 EST

So, here's the good news: Boingo Wireless has teamed up with Aircell, a company that provides WiFi in the skies. Now, the bad news: it barely matters. At first blush, we assumed a Boingo / Gogo tie-up would allow monthly subscribers to the former to get gratis access to the latter; in fact, that's not at all the case. According to the release (shown in full after the break), in-flight access "is a premium service and is not included in monthly plans," and in fact, there's not even a discount given to Boingo subscribers. The point here? To make billing even easier, since you're logging in with your Boingo credentials. Gee, thanks.

Continue reading Boingo teams with Gogo for in-flight internet magic, leaves us wanting more

Boingo teams with Gogo for in-flight internet magic, leaves us wanting more originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Switched On: Techonciliation

Ross Rubin — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 20:30:00 EST

Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

"Don't throw the past away. You might need it some rainy day."

-Peter Allen, from the song "Everything Old Is New Again"

During the late '90s and early '00s, the hype bubble grew large about a number of ideas that never reached critical mass. WebTV was going to democratize the Internet, but it devolved into a market niche after being acquired by Microsoft. WiFi providers such as MobileStar and later Cometa Networks hoped to build vast WiFi networks that would compete with cellular plans. Those bubbles popped back in the day, but curiously, companies are now willing to pump some energy back into them. The question is whether they are in any better position to float this time around.

Continue reading Switched On: Techonciliation

Switched On: Techonciliation originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 03 Apr 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung CL80 will come with three months free Boingo WiFi, oh joy

Sean Hollister — Thu, 13 May 2010 15:58:00 EST

While we're still waiting for Sammy's 14 megapixel, WiFi-enabled point-and-shoot to make its stateside appearance, it seems it won't be lacking for software when it crosses the pond -- this week, ubiquitous hotspot host Boingo announced that its service will be preinstalled on every new Samsung CL80 and ST5500, and the cameras will come with three free months of use. After that point, you'll still be able to upload your pictures from Starbucks, never fear -- you'll just have to pay $8 monthly for the privilege. PR after the break.

Continue reading Samsung CL80 will come with three months free Boingo WiFi, oh joy

Samsung CL80 will come with three months free Boingo WiFi, oh joy originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 May 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alltel rolls out Boingo-powered nationwide WiFi service

Nilay Patel — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:17:00 EST

Although Alltel is busy courting Verizon's amorous advances, it looks like the carrier is still serious about rolling with the big boys -- it's just announced a nationwide WiFi service powered by Boingo. Subscribers can opt for $20/mo or $4/day plans, and score access at over 25,000 hotspots in airports, hotels, bookstores, coffee shops and restaurants. Alltel wireless customers can also opt for the $70/mo Internet Anywhere bundle, which gives you unlimited EVDO and WiFi access. Of course, all these plans could change when the Verizon deal finally goes down, but we'll see how that plays out in the future -- at least you're not being locked into a contract.

Filed under: Wireless

Alltel rolls out Boingo-powered nationwide WiFi service originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Boingo bringing $8 WiFi to iPhone, Sony Ericsson

Paul Miller — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:02:00 EST

If you're tired of shelling out laptop prices for your WiFi smartphone browsing, Boingo's got help on the way. At Mobile World Congress the company announced Sony Ericsson and iPhone / iPod touch versions of its connection client software, with the SE version to show up in the second half of the year, and the iPhone software to hit as soon as Boingo can get a hold of the SDK. Boingo already has Nokia and Windows Mobile-compatible versions of its software, but with 6 percent of users attempting to connect to Boingo already rocking an iPhone, it looks like this software can't come soon enough.

Filed under: Software, Sony Ericsson, Apple

Boingo bringing $8 WiFi to iPhone, Sony Ericsson originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Boingo bringing $8 WiFi to iPhone, Sony Ericsson

Paul Miller — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless

Boingo bringing $8 WiFi to iPhone, Sony Ericsson originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alltel dives into WiFi, offers up variety of plans

Darren Murph — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 07:49:00 EST

Based on a new section of Alltel's website, it seems pretty safe to say that the carrier is jumping head first into the WiFi arena. Apparently, Alltel customers can now sign up for a variety of WiFi plans that will enable them to surf the internet via their 802.11b/g-equipped laptop whenever they're near one of the "thousands of convenient hotspot locations." Among those spots are Barnes & Noble, Avis, Embassy Suites, Hilton Hotels, Holiday Inn Hotels, Marriott Hotels, Tully's Coffee and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. As for rate plans, you can snag unlimited access to the "North and South American WiFi network" for $21.99 per month so long as you have any voice or data plan already, while the Premium WiFi plan requires that you're already paying for an Alltel Wireless Internet plan. Of course, there's also the Pay As You Go approach, and while it's yet to be confirmed, we're hearing that the company could be in talks with Boingo Wireless.

[Via GigaOM]

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless

Alltel dives into WiFi, offers up variety of plans originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Oct 2007 07:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Boingo to drop roaming charges on hotspot network

Darren Murph — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 18:55:00 EST

Ah, Boingo just keeps getting sweeter. After showing off its mobile service and partnering with FON, now the WiFi operator is making it even cheaper to hop online via its worldwide hotspot network. The company has announced that it will be hitting us up with a flat-rate service for $39 per month, which will enable users to utilize "more than 100,000 WiFi hotspots" across the globe sans roaming charges. Of course, this won't impact those Boingo users who manage to stay within the confines of the US of A, but globetrotters will certainly appreciate the end of per-minute roaming charges when surfing abroad. [Warning: read link requires subscription]

Filed under: Wireless

Boingo to drop roaming charges on hotspot network originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Boingo set to roam on FON's worldwide WiFi network

Darren Murph — Fri, 25 May 2007 09:32:00 EST

Boingo, which just recently flashed its Boingo Mobile services in your grill at 3GSM, has now made its somewhat sensational claims seem a bit more justified by partnering with FON to roam on its worldwide network of WiFi hotspots. Once the agreement is executed, Boingo's customers will reportedly have "access to an additional 130,000 hotspot locations," which will more than double the company's network size. Of course, this isn't the only partnership FON has inked in recent memory either, and while one may expect to fork over slightly more than the previously advertised $7.95 per month for an expanded Biongo Mobile network, it looks like the rates are staying put. No word yet on when the WiFi roaming will go live, but if you happened to be swarmed by Foneros in your neck of the woods, Boingo Mobile just might be worth the effort.

Filed under: Wireless

Boingo set to roam on FON's worldwide WiFi network originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 May 2007 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Helio Hybrid, RIP: 2006 - 2007

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 17:15:00 EST

Helio has officially cut down its Hybrid EV-DO / WiFi data card down in its prime. Actually, we're not sure if the Hybrid was cut down before its prime, in its prime, or past its prime -- but any way you slice it, it's toast. The move is going down pretty quickly, too; no new Hybrids are being sold, and existing customers will be switched off as of May 8 (though they're "welcome" to keep the deactivated card, according to the announcement). Folks who also have a voice line activated with Helio will be given a month of free service for their troubles, but we imagine that's little consolation to the poor laptops mercilessly stripped of hotspot and EV-DO access in the discontinuation's aftermath. Was it Helio's stingy 160MB limit that ultimately lead to the Hybrid's demise? We may never know -- but given Helio's cozy relationship with Earthlink and Boingo, we'd be pretty surprised if the MVNO were out of the dedicated data business for good.

[Thanks, Brent S.]

Filed under: Peripherals, Helio, 1xRTT, EV-DO, MVNOs, CDMA

Helio Hybrid, RIP: 2006 - 2007 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Apr 2007 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Boingo launches worldwide WiFi service -- just for mobile phones

Brian White — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 15:47:00 EST

3GSM is cranking along and so are the carrier and manufacturer announcements. Among one of the brightest ones today has been the announcement that Boingo Wireless -- the world's leading wholesale network aggregator (fancy term for WiFi ISP) -- will soon unveil the "Boingo Mobile" service to provide what appears to be the first global WiFi Internet service. Sounds rather solid -- but it gets even better because Boingo Mobile is specifically designed for WiFi phones and devices as opposed to dedicated computers and computing devices (not that there's anything wrong with the 802.11n lappy). So, you have a feast for that newer UMA handset and have looked for a solution that goes beyond that slower-than-I'll-get-out HSDPA access? If you're near on of the thousands of Boingo WiFi hotspots around the world, you can tap into the Boingo Mobile network at the flat rate of USD $7.95 per month by visting mobile.boingo.com/download to get Boingo's free software and to check for mobile handset / device compatibility (hint -- WM5 is all for now). It's great to see a global WiFi operator differentiate -- and treat -- two different uses of WiFi at separate and appropriate price levels, since, ya know, not many are BitTorrenting from their handsets these days.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless

Boingo launches worldwide WiFi service -- just for mobile phones originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Feb 2007 15:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Helio announces "Hybrid" 3G / WiFi service

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 06:02:00 EST

A Boingo pass for when you're near a hotspot, EV-DO for when you're not. That's the gist of Helio's latest product, dubbed "Hybrid" -- only their third since launching earlier this year -- and the first dedicated to data device from the MVNO (and among the first data devices from any MVNO, so far as we know). Technically, Hybrid is more of a package than an actual device, composed of a rebranded Sierra Wireless Aircard 580, EV-DO service, and WiFi access (provided by Helio pal and Sky Dayton venture Boingo, of course) with Helio's "Hybrid Connector" software calling the connectivity shots. Though the concept doesn't seem to go after the same core demographic as the MVNO's handsets, the $85 package deal could still be a compelling one for folks that maintain separate WiFi and 3G data accounts. Look for Hybrid to be available for a nice, round $0 on two-year contract through Fry's locations and Helio's site directly.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless

Helio announces "Hybrid" 3G / WiFi service originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Oct 2006 06:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Helio announces "Hybrid" 3G / WiFi service

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 06:02:00 EST

A Boingo pass for when you're near a hotspot, EV-DO for when you're not. That's the gist of Helio's latest product, dubbed "Hybrid" -- only their third since launchingearlier this year -- and the first dedicated to data device from the MVNO (and among the first data devices from any MVNO, so far as we know). Technically, Hybrid is more of a package than an actual device, composed of a rebranded Sierra Wireless Aircard 580, EV-DO service, and WiFi access (provided by Helio pal and Sky Dayton venture Boingo, of course) with Helio's "Hybrid Connector" software calling the connectivity shots. Though the concept doesn't seem to go after the same core demographic as the MVNO's handsets, the $85 package deal could still be a compelling one for folks that maintain separate WiFi and 3G data accounts. Look for Hybrid to be available for a nice, round $0 on two-year contract through Fry's locations and Helio's site directly.

Filed under: Peripherals, Others, Helio, 1xRTT, EV-DO, MVNOs, CDMA

Helio announces "Hybrid" 3G / WiFi service originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Oct 2006 06:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Helio to launch EV-DO / WiFi card with Boingo

Chris Ziegler — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 11:41:00 EST

Word on the street has Helio launching its first data product as soon as tomorrow, which appears from this leaked kiosk mockup to be a Sierra Wireless AirCard 580. That would normally seem plausible enough -- assuming we can forget that the 580 is merely a Rev 0 device -- except for one critical detail: our sources tell us Helio's launch will combine EV-DO data with service through Boingo's network of WiFi hotspots. That leads us to believe that the 580 in the mockup is simply a placeholder for a different, hybrid card, or Helio's going to be assuming that its users are capable of bringing their own WiFi radio -- probably a safe assumption considering the percentage of notebooks that ship with integrated 802.11 these days. The partnership with Boingo makes a lot of sense, seeing how Helio's CEO is Boingo's founder and chairman, but given the ever-increasing ubiquity of EV-DO coverage (particularly anywhere Boingo would have a hotspot), we'll be curious to see Helio's marketing angle on this one.

[Thanks, anonymous tipster]

Filed under: Peripherals, Helio, 1xRTT, EV-DO, MVNOs, CDMA

Helio to launch EV-DO / WiFi card with Boingo originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Sep 2006 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kyocera and Boingo's 3G/WiFi prototype revealed

Thomas Ricker — Thu, 06 Apr 2006 10:10:00 EST

Just over a year ago, Kyocera dropped the press-bomb related to partnering with Boingo to develop 3G cellphones with built-in WiFi. Now they're showing off a BREW-based WiFi/CDMA prototype at CTIA which allows public WiFi roaming, on the Boingo WiFi network, natch-urally. No doubt you might be wondering what Boingo, a WiFi hotspot consolidator, brings to the table. Well, that'd be software, which can automatically choose whether the 3G connection or access to one of Boingo's 30-odd-thousand global WiFi hotspots is the best option "for a given time and circumstance." Hey great, but why limit the software to just this handset, when there are so many WiFi enabled phones coming to market?

Filed under: Handsets, Kyocera, CDMA

Kyocera and Boingo's 3G/WiFi prototype revealed originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Apr 2006 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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