SubscribeAnnapolis, Maryland, October 20, 2003 - How can today's airports provide wireless Internet service for the public, private wireless networks for themselves, and a new airport revenue source-all without getting into the wireless network business?
Three leading technology companies today introduced a unique solution: Opti-Fi NetworksSM, Ltd. Opti-Fi Networks will deliver both 802.11 public Internet access and private wireless networking using a single airport infrastructure. As a fully managed service, Opti-Fi will provide complete installation, maintenance, 24x7 monitoring, and customer billing services. The company contracts with Telco carriers and acts as a neutral host liaison between providers.
Opti-Fi is a new company formed by ARINC Incorporated, the founders of Airpath Wireless, Inc., and Parsons Corporation. ARINC is a leading provider of airport technology, AirPath is a wireless industry leader providing customer management, back-end billing, clearing and settlement technology at locations across the U.S., and Parsons is a world leader in airport construction and infrastructure management.
"Until today, airports were forced to choose between installing a wireless network themselves, allowing their tenants to deploy multiple networks, or giving up control of this valuable infrastructure to a Telco carrier or wireless Internet service provider," stated
Tim Barrett, Opti-Fi President. "Opti-Fi now offers them a completely different alternative. The airport can retain control for both private applications and public use, while Opti-Fi provides all the on-site technology, maintenance, and billing in a single package. We even solve the roaming and multiple-carrier access problems for them."
Opti-Fi has already won its first airport customer. Mr. Barrett today announced his company is starting site preparations at Des Moines International Airport, Des Moines, Iowa, for a dual public/private wireless network. He spoke at the opening of the Wireless Airport Association's 2003 Convention in Washington, D.C.
"By providing both public and private wireless without duplicating the infrastructure, Opti-Fi Networks provides two solutions in one," he said. "And, as a fully-managed service, Opti-Fi takes the risk out of the airport's role in offering Internet access. We also relieve airport IT departments of supporting multiple wireless enterprises."
As airports install "hot spots" for public Internet access, many airlines and service providers are also deploying their own 802.11 wireless, eating into the available spectrum. Managing this local spectrum is essential for airport authorities to avoid future network conflicts and possible security breaches.
"Airports who do not take control of their communications infrastructure, especially Wi-Fi, are opening themselves to serious problems," Barrett stated. "Opti-Fi allows them to retain control of this valuable asset while they head off future problems. In addition, almost every airport can benefit from a secure local wireless network for its business operations."
As a host-neutral provider, Opti-Fi provides completely transparent billing and settlement services and signs agreements with national carriers to allow wireless "roaming" throughout the U.S.-an industry exclusive.
"Airports of all sizes can benefit from the Opti-Fi dual-use approach," said Ruth Hough, ARINC Senior Vice President, Information Technology. "It reduces deployment costs, and allows airport IT departments to focus on providing passenger services-not wireless connections. And since Opti-Fi will manage each installation, it can enhance performance and keep the system future-proof as 802.11 technology improves."
Opti-Fi Networkssm, Ltd., a company formed by ARINC Incorporated, the founders of Airpath Wireless, Inc., andParsons Corporation, provides managed, shared Wireless Fidelity ("Wi-Fi") access for airports and other public venues. Opti-Fi is the only company that offers complete, managed public and private broadband Wi-Fi communications access to meet the needs of the airport operator, air carriers, on-site concessionaires and services, as well as the traveling public. For more information, visit the Opti-Fi web site at www.opti-fi.com.
Contact:
Timothy A. Barrett, President
Opti-Fi Networks, Ltd.
Tel: 410 266 4258
Keith Dunbar
Parsons Transportation Group
Tel: 202 775 3385
Cell: 201 638 8498
