Free WiFi access for passengers at Helsinki Airport a huge success
Article published
5.3.2013 at 08:13
Archived
The free online access provided by Finavia at Helsinki Airport increases in popularity every year.
"The number of users in the wireless network has increased massively in the last 12 months. In January 2013, the number of users was 168% higher than in January 2012," says Ville Haapasaari, Airport Director.
Compared to the figures in January 2009, the increase is even more extensive: the user volume is now almost 30 times higher.
The user interfaces have also changed. A few years ago, Windows installed in a laptop was the main way of connecting to the wireless network of Helsinki Airport, but now 67% of visitors uses the network with Android.
People enjoy the fast and well-functioning connection
The rapid increase in the user volume is mainly based on mobile devices becoming more common and the fact that the WiFi at Helsinki Airport functions very well. Last year, Finavia improved the WLAN connection of Helsinki Airport by increasing the number of base stations and upgrading the speed rate to 100 Mbs. The total number of base stations is more than 80.
"Especially international passengers thank us continously for the Helsinki Airport WiFi because only few airports in the world are providing a well-functioning, fast wireless online connection, which is free of charge. Many passengers want to remain online regardless of location and spend their waiting time at the airport with entertainment or work tasks," says Haapasaari.
Finavia invests in Helsinki Airport's services so that the airport would further strengthen its role in air travel between Europe and Asia, compared to competitors. Last year, the share of transit travel between Europe and Asia was 31% of the total number of passengers at the airport.
Find out more about the online and mobile opportunities at Helsinki Airport:
http://www.helsinki-vantaa.fi/services/internet-and-mobile
Free online access at 20 airports
Finavia, which maintains airports in Finland, provides a free-of-charge wireless network at 20 airports. The online access is free and unlimited. Users may surf the Internet for as long as they like and to their preferred extent. The online access is available for all passengers and everyone waiting for them, or accompanying them to the airport.
It is easy to use the wireless online connection. When the computer is in the airport's wireless network area, a message about the airport's online connection will automatically appear on the computer screen. The connection appears as Free Wi-Fi – Finavia Airports and at Helsinki Airport as Free Wi-Fi – Helsinki Airport. No credentials are required for login.