Image used with permission by copyright holderI know you’re not looking forward to spending the next few days of your life airport hopping, but just in time for a Christmas, Hanukkah, or Festivus is a particularly enticing announcement from Boingo — airport Wi-Fi just got a huge upgrade, reaching speeds of up to 20 Mbps. The purveyor of airport Internet has long tortured weary travelers with data limits, slow connection speeds, and spotty service, but as the world becomes increasingly reliant upon the Web for even the most basic of tasks, it’s becoming apparent that having Wi-Fi in travel hubs is basically a necessity. So gear up for that long layover — at least you can stream video.

　　On Monday, the provider announced a new “innovative SMART network approach, which stands for Secure, Multiplatform, Analytics-Driven, Responsive and Tiered.” Thanks to this new plan, users can now select from different “tiers” of speed options. While everyone “can enjoy fast Wi-Fi access at no charge,” Boingo notes, “Power users who need their airport Wi-Fi to function like an extension of their home or office environment can choose from several paid options, including speeds of 20Mbps — bursting to 50Mbps.”

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　　“Our SMART networks represent a revolutionary new approach to airport wireless networks,” said Boingo President Nick Hulse, citing the provision of “a complete end-to-end solution to airports and their customers.” Hulse promises “outstanding connection every time, no matter what speed option customers choose or what services airports layer on.”

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　　Currently, SMART is available at the seven following airports, but the Boingo leader promises additional airport partners soon.

　　Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)Boston – Logan International (BOS)Chicago – Midway International (MDW)Chicago – O’Hare International (ORD)New York – John F. Kennedy International (JFK)New York – LaGuardia International (LGA)Newark Liberty International (EWR)“Now, more than ever, connectivity is critical for travelers,” noted Thomas Bosco, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey director of aviation. With hopes of giving travelers an outstanding technology experience, Bosco stated that, “… the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey now offers passengers one of the best Wi-Fi networks in the world.”

　　Hopefully, you’ll be home for Christmas. But even if you’re stuck in an airport, maybe super fast Wi-Fi will make up for all your other woes.