To: kemble s. matter who wrote (161439 ) 10/3/2000 10:34:48 PM From: calgal Respond to of 176387 United Airlines lands wireless Web at airports By Stephanie Miles Staff Writer, CNET News.com October 3, 2000, 4:25 p.m. PT update United Airlines said today it will install wireless Internet access in its lounges and waiting areas, enabling disgruntled passengers to email complaints directly from the Red Carpet Club. United's plan will eliminate the need for passengers who own wireless-enabled laptops and handheld computers to use modem-equipped pay phones or lounge telephones. The installation will allow them to use a wireless connection to read email, surf the Web or even check online to see whether their flight has been canceled. United is developing its wireless plan in partnership with SoftNet Systems subsidiary Aerzone, which specializes in network access for business travelers. Many laptop computers and personal digital assistants now offer wireless modems. Dell Computer, IBM and Apple Computer offer wireless connections in their new notebooks. Palm, Handspring and Compaq Computer have wireless modems for their handheld computers. Market research firm Cahners predicts the wireless networking market will grow from $771 million last year to $2.2 billion in 2004, driven primarily by demand from business professionals. The wireless hubs will be placed in United's Red Carpet Club, airport lounges, gate areas, terminals, first-class lounges and frequent flier centers, United and Aerzone said. United's plan includes offering high-speed wireless access via radio frequency 802.11. Subscriptions will be available on a onetime or monthly basis. United did not disclose when the service will be available and has not yet decided how much to charge for a subscription. news.cnet.com