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Common Goals, Unique Strengths: Page 3 of 26

As for facilitating roaming between operators, most pointed to the Wi-Fi Alliance's ongoing but as yet incomplete efforts, referred to as Wireless ISP Roaming, or WISPr, though none has yet implemented support for WISPr. Note also that roaming is not necessarily bilateral--just because Provider A allows access for Provider B's customers does not mean Provider B will return the favor.

Boingo's on Target

Selecting the service provider that best addressed the needs of MSE proved challenging, but after perusing the RFIs, we selected aggregator Boingo Wireless as our Editor's Choice. Boingo delivered a clean RFI response that clearly answered all our questions and provided MSE with good coverage options, flexible pricing and innovative client software. MSE will pay more with Boingo than if it went directly to the network operators, but in exchange Boingo supplies connectivity at a wide variety of locations, including restaurants, hotels and airports. We also liked Boingo's pricing plans (see its plan details). Finally, Boingo provides innovative client software that facilitates the use of hotspots. The company has done a good job in this area--T-Mobile Hotspot has contracted with Boingo Wireless for software for its network.

We want to make clear, however, that customers with even a slightly varied set of selection criteria could easily select a different provider. Each brings a unique set of strengths, whether it be global coverage, dial-up options, low costs, restaurant/coffee-shop emphasis, full ISP services or cellular integration.


Boingo distinguishes itself as the leading aggregator because it focuses exclusively on wireless broadband. In contrast, the other two aggregators responding to our RFI, Gric and iPass, focus on both wireless broadband and global dial-up services. However, Boingo does have a business relationship with Fiberlink Communications, which resells Boingo's service in combination with dial-up. Boingo is also unique in offering very rich client software that includes network sniffing, authentication and security functions.

Boingo's coverage is impressive: It provides service in 2,000 locations across 428 cities, 32 airports, 794 restaurants, 430 hotels, and it recently added service at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.