There's nothing worse than being stuck at an airport without free Wi-Fi. You've spent enough on your flight and the last thing you want to do is shell out another $10 or more for Internet access. You already spent that much for a cup of coffee. FINALLY, we have rescue.
According to a Mashable article published today, Google will provide free Wi-Fi on airports across America from now through January 15, 2010.
Google (Google) has worked with Boingo Wireless, Advanced Wireless Group, Airport Marketing Income and other companies to provide this free service. It is currently available at 47 airports, including Las Vegas, San Jose, Boston, Baltimore, Burbank, Houston, Indianapolis, Seattle, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, St. Louis and Charlotte. It gets even better for residents of Seattle and Burbank, where airports will now offer airport-wide free Wi-Fi indefinitely.
Did you see that? SEATTLE (SEA-TAC) WILL HAVE WI-FI INDEFINITELY. That's a Christmas miracle!
Google also has a charitable cause associated with the offer. People can donate to a selection of charities from the airport networks and Google will match those donations up to $250,000. The full list of participating airports is at www.freeholidaywifi.com.
Amanda and I are heading to Indiana the first week of December for her birthday, so I'm very happy to learn about all of this. Picture me blogging from the airport!