Free Wi Fi launches at world’s busiest airport in Atlanta; response to consumer complaints

Photo by Cspurrier / Wikimedia Commons

ATLANTA—Travellers, after years of complaints, will have access to a free wireless Internet network at the world’s busiest airport.

Officials say the network at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport cost more than $5.2 million to install.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and the airport’s general manager on Wednesday announced the launch of the free Wi-Fi in the 6.8 million square-foot terminal complex. Officials say workers spent less than 30 days assembling the network. It’s expected to accommodate up to 15,000 simultaneous users.

Southwell says the airport’s lack of a free Wi-Fi network put the facility at a competitive disadvantage, and was the No. 1 customer complaint. Customers previously had to pay $4.95 to get online.

Airport officials say the airport serves more than 94 million passengers annually.