LIVE FROM MWC25 LAS VEGAS: Boingo Wireless CEO Mike Finley (pictured) highlighted his company’s low-key start of offering Wi-Fi in 2001 to becoming a neutral host network provider which has a blend of connectivity options for more than 130 airports and transportation hubs, 70 sports and entertainment venues and 100 military bases.

“These venues rely on Boingo to deliver seamless, secure wireless networks across public cellular Wi-Fi and private 5G,” he said. “Our neutral host approach brings networks together, giving venues the reliable connectivity they depend on to operate, innovate and grow.”

Finley explained his company will celebrate its 25th anniversary over the coming months.

“The world looked very different,” he said. “If you were in an airport, you checked in at the counter with a paper ticket, and your laptop used an Ethernet port.

“But at Boingo, we set out to change this.”

Finley used yesterday’s (14 October) deal with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as example of how far the company and technology have come.  

“It is one of the largest and most complex transportation agencies in the world, serving millions of people,” he explained. “With historic investments totalling $40 billion across its airports and bus terminals, the agency is transforming the region so transportation can be safer, more sustainable and future ready.”

He said the Port Authority is leading the way for the convergence of public cellular, private 5G, and next-gen Wi-Fi to deliver connectivity for each user.

“Public cellular powers passenger connectivity, Wi-Fi 6 supports high-speed applications and streaming and private 5G enable secure, high-bandwidth use cases like tarmac logistics and IoT-based safety systems,” he noted.

Finley stated the networks generate a massive amount of data but the Port Authority’s converged approach “allows data to flow freely so systems can communicate, insights can be shared, and smarter decisions can be made”.

“With connectivity, convergence, security, and innovation, it’s clear the Port Authority isn’t just adapting, they’re leading,” he said. “They’re setting a new benchmark for how a complex infrastructure should operate in a connected world.”

As for the next 50 years, Finley said next-gen connectivity is moving beyond flagship venues and into hospitals, office buildings, apartments, hotels, and convention centres, “transforming how these spaces operate”.

“Today, running the network at our venues is like running the network for a Super Bowl every single day,” he said. “It’s not easy, but we aren’t in this industry because it’s easy.”

He said the industry “is shaped by those who lead with vision and build with purpose”.

“Let’s keep pushing boundaries, solving problems, designing infrastructure that doesn’t just keep up with change, but drives it. Change before you have to, and the rest will fall into place”.