Deployment in Major Airports
Introduction: Michael Zeto’s Vision at Boingo
Michael Zeto, serving as the Chief Commercial Officer at Boingo, is at the forefront of bringing the promises of 5G and digital transformation to large venues and enterprises globally. He is invested in supporting Boingo’s clients across various sectors including transportation, stadiums, commercial real estate, manufacturing, healthcare, and smart cities. Michael leads all aspects of the company’s global innovation and growth strategies, overseeing sales, carrier relationships, account management, operations, and end-to-end network designs, and deployments across all connectivity technologies that Boingo provides, such as 5G, CBRS, Wi-Fi 6 and 6E, IoT, and private networks.
Innovating Airport Connectivity: Private 5G in Action
Chicago O’Hare International Airport: An Exemplary Model
Boingo has been instrumental in innovating private network deployments, with a noteworthy example being the Chicago O’Hare International Airport. To facilitate a contactless communication mechanism between airport staff and travelers navigating through terminal wings, Boingo, in collaboration with O’Hare International, developed a private 5G network. Deployed within days to cater to this specific need, the private network operates alongside O’Hare’s public Wi-Fi and DAS network. With this secure and reliable private network, which is separate from the airport Wi-Fi and public data system, O’Hare not only delivers uninterrupted, crisp, clear video calls but also has full ownership of the data, thereby offering the potential to layer on additional use cases in the future.
Dallas Love Field: A Pioneer in CBRS Deployment
Boingo has been a pioneering force in deploying private networks, with a striking example being the deployment of a private network over CBRS at Dallas Love Field back in 2018, notably even before the FCC approved CBRS for commercial use. Boingo obtained a special temporary authority to conduct the CBRS trial at Dallas Love Field, which is now used to streamline airport operations for the Love Field airport team. This deployment was years ahead of the private cellular trend, and Boingo recognized it as a game changer for enterprises.
Crafting Seamless Traveler Experiences
Boingo’s innovative deployments at airports like O’Hare and Dallas Love Field exemplify their commitment to leveraging technology to enhance consumer and traveler experiences. The expedited deployment at O’Hare, and the pioneering work at Dallas Love Field, showcase not only the firm’s capabilities but also its foresight in identifying and deploying groundbreaking technology solutions. Travelers now, more than ever, seek and expect seamless experiences, which Boingo is ardently working towards by leveraging private networks to create more efficient, secure, and enhanced user experiences in airports across the world.
Elevating Global Connectivity through 5G and Digital Transformation in Transportation Hubs
Driving Connectivity Globally
Boingo, as a leading global connectivity provider, is a pivotal player in 5G, delivering top-tier indoor cellular and Wi-Fi networks in the US. Serving all major US airports, Boingo has positioned itself as a one-stop shop for 5G services in the transportation industry, offering both public and private 5G networks. By partnering with Tier 1 carriers, such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, to deploy networks inside large transportation venues, Boingo is at the forefront of 5G implementation and digital transformation across various industries.
Implementing 5G: A Dual Approach to Connectivity
Public 5G Deployments
Boingo has recently joined forces with AT&T to deploy their 5G Plus in airports from coast to coast, including JFK New York and Chicago, and is also working with Verizon and T-Mobile to launch their 5G services in various airports and transit stations. The primary utilization of public cellular currently revolves around consumer use, powering mobile behaviors like entertainment, productivity applications, social media, streaming services, email, and mobile ticketing on the go.
Private 5G Networks
The deployment of private networks is crucial when considering the operational aspects of a transportation hub, such as an airport or a port authority. This allows for secure, reliable, and private data management and network management on the private side, which is an essential component of connectivity, especially when considering the digital transformation accelerated by the pandemic.
Digital Transformation: Accelerated by the Pandemic
The pandemic has fast-tracked digital transformation across industries. Recent studies indicate that 77% of CEOs have accelerated their digital transformation plans, and both enterprises and consumers are adopting digital technology at a 5x rate since the pandemic began. This acceleration is expected to continue, with both public and private 5G for enterprises becoming a staple as both enterprises and consumers now expect low latency, security, and touchless experiences in iconic transportation hubs and airports.
Case Studies: Notable 5G Deployments
MTA’s Grand Central Terminal Eastside Access Project
An 11-billion-dollar project, the Eastside Access, will provide a direct connection for all Long Island Railroad lines to Grand Central and to Midtown East, expected to serve about 160,000 passengers per day. Boingo, selected through competitive bidding, is designing, deploying, and managing the next-generation mobile network to enhance operations and rider experiences along the new corridor.
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Boingo is deploying public 5G in partnership with carriers at the World Trade Center Oculus, alongside private 5G, ensuring the city remains world-class in the digital era. Boingo is committed to ensuring that iconic venues like the World Trade Center Oculus are equipped with the latest in connectivity technology.
Global Presence: Boingo’s International Footprint
Boingo’s services are not confined to the US but extend internationally, providing Wi-Fi services to passengers at London Heathrow and telecommunications services to 54 airports in Brazil, eventually moving towards a 5G play. Boingo’s extensive global reach ensures that it plays a pivotal role in the digital transformation of transportation hubs worldwide, driving connectivity and creating seamless consumer experiences across borders.
Navigating the Transition to 5G in Transportation with Boingo
Boingo’s Legacy in Wireless Connectivity
Boingo has been a stalwart in the wireless connectivity domain for many years, assisting major transportation authorities and iconic airports through technological transitions from 2G all the way to the current shift to 5G. With a wealth of experience and understanding of the complexities involved in providing 5G networks, Boingo has helped organizations transition from 2G to 3G, 3G to 4G, and now, 4G to 5G.
5G: A Pivotal Element in Digital Transformation
5G is increasingly recognized as a crucial element in every company’s digital transformation strategy, especially in transportation organizations, whether they operate in the public or private sector, spanning planes, trains, or buses. Notably, 5G is deemed the first “G” for the enterprise, meaning that the current shift allows companies to leverage Boingo’s extensive experience to differentiate their connectivity strategy truly.
The Role of Converged Architecture: 5G, Wi-Fi, and Wired Connections
While there is a substantial emphasis on 5G, it’s vital to acknowledge that Wi-Fi and wired connections will continue to play a significant role in connectivity. Private networks, in particular, are anticipated to be a dominant part of the new converged architecture to be deployed for communication purposes. Boingo’s approach is not merely to deploy networks for connectivity but to ensure that every network drives specific, valuable outcomes, aligning with their overarching strategy.
Boingo’s Strategy: Outcome-Driven Connectivity Solutions
Boingo’s strategy extends beyond merely establishing secure and scalable networks. The company emphasizes driving outcomes that provide tangible value, focusing not just on managing and designing networks but also ensuring that these networks yield beneficial results for their customers and partners.
Customer Interaction and Competitive Positioning
Boingo is actively engaged in ongoing discussions with various stakeholders, receiving a substantial number of calls and inquiries on a regular basis. They maintain a competitive stance in the market, not only through their extensive experience and expertise but also through competitive pricing and a steadfast commitment to delivering excellent customer experiences. Boingo stands ready to assist customers in navigating the intricate landscape of 5G in the years ahead, ensuring continuity in providing robust connectivity solutions across the transportation sector.
Leading Through 5G Innovation and Deployment
In a world that increasingly leans towards digital transformation, Boingo, under the leadership of Michael Zeto, is not just keeping pace but often staying ahead of the curve. Through early adoption, innovative deployments, and a clear vision of providing secure and efficient connectivity solutions, Boingo is facilitating enhanced experiences in various sectors, particularly in creating more streamlined and enriched experiences for travelers in airports worldwide. Boingo, with its significant customers in the US and abundant opportunities both nationally and internationally, is set to continue its mission of delivering 5G and digital transformation strategies to transportation customers. With a focus on enhancing user experiences through connectivity in major and iconic transportation hubs globally, Boingo is primed to shape the future of connectivity in the industry, ensuring that transportation hubs are not just keeping up but staying ahead in the digital era.
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