Press Release

Mayor Newsom Announces Free Wi-Fi for SFO Travelers

01/26/10 – Mayor Newsom today announced that the San Francisco Airport Commission unanimously approved the concept of free Wi-Fi service at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Following approval from the San Francisco City Purchaser, the Airport will enter into negotiations to execute a pilot agreement with its current connection fee-based Wi-Fi vendor. The Airport anticipates that free Wi-Fi will be available in summer of 2010.

“Ensuring free and unfettered access to the Internet will keep SFO at the cutting edge of international travel as well as the information superhighway,” said Mayor Gavin Newsom.

Additional city efforts to expand free Wi-Fi include providing free broadband access to more than 400 low-income and subsidized housing units on Treasure Island by the Department of Technology and more than 3,000 additional units in San Francisco Housing Authority developments and low income communities.

“San Francisco International Airport remains committed to providing our passengers with unparalleled safety and security combined with world class customer service,” said Airport Director John L. Martin. “The establishment of free Wi-Fi for our customers at SFO is just one of our many programs that provide our travelers with that world class experience.”

Airport officials will soon develop a request for proposal (RFP) to select the long-term vendor for free Wi-Fi services. That provider will operate and maintain the Airport’s free Wi-Fi service.