The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced Oct. 14 a new long-term agreement with Boingo Wireless, an industry leader in 5G and Wi-Fi connectivity, to deliver next-generation cellular and Wi-Fi networks across its expansive portfolio of properties, including airports, crossings, seaport facilities, PATH stations and the Midtown Bus Terminal.
Under the competitive award, Boingo will significantly upgrade and expand 5G and Wi-Fi networks across Port Authority facilities. As the Port Authority advances its redevelopment work on some of the region’s most critical projects, Boingo’s work will help power secure, high-performance connectivity to provide a seamless, customer-first transportation experience across the region.
Through the Port Authority’s two-decades-long partnership with Boingo, Newark Liberty International, John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia airports now rank among the world’s best-connected airports.
The agreement covers the following Port Authority facilities:
- John F. Kennedy International Airport
- LaGuardia Airport
- Newark Liberty International Airport
- New York Stewart International Airport
- PATH commuter rail stations
- Midtown Bus Terminal
- Holland Tunnel
- Lincoln Tunnel
- Port Newark-Elizabeth Port Authority Marine Terminal
“Connectivity is as essential to travel today as runways, railroads and roadways,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “Our commitment to strengthening our digital infrastructure ensures that the millions of people who rely on our facilities each day experience secure, high-speed connectivity that keeps pace with modern expectations.”
The neutral host network can support 5G and all major carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon. Designed with encryption, traffic segmentation and 24/7 monitoring, the networks also include advanced security features to safeguard travelers, data and infrastructure.
“Through this new contract, we will deliver best-in-class free and fast Wi-Fi, impeccable cellular phone service and superb connectivity on all fronts to all travelers at our facilities,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “In addition, our new data transmission capabilities provide top-grade connectivity for our ground service workers and other back-of-house partners. These across-the-board, state-of-the-art technology upgrades will support customer service second to none at all of our facilities.”
Currently, independent speed tests place Newark Liberty and JFK second and third for median Wi-Fi performance among major airports worldwide.
Boingo’s work at Port Authority facilities dates to 1999, when the agency first entered a partnership with the company to install and maintain wireless connectivity infrastructure. The new agreement, approved by the Port Authority’s board of commissioners in June 2025, calls for substantial expansions and upgrades to neutral host 5G, Wi-Fi and private network infrastructure to meet modern, best-in-class speed, quality and security standards.
Under the new agreement, the services will continue to be provided for free to the traveling public. The agreement is set to run through 2038, with an option for the Port Authority to extend an additional five years to 2043.
