Brace yourselves for a tale of connectivity. This is the story of Boingo Wireless in Los Angeles. It is a story woven into the fabric of our modern lives.
Boingo Wireless began its journey in 2001. Sky Dayton, co-founder of Earthlink, had a vision. He wanted to make the internet as ubiquitous as air. Dayton sought to unify the fragmented Wi-Fi landscape.
Boingo Wireless started in Los Angeles. The company’s original headquarters were in Los Angeles. It aimed to connect people with easy Wi-Fi. Boingo’s mission is to help the world stay connected.
Let’s jump to 2022. Boingo announced a move of its headquarters to Frisco, Texas. However, Los Angeles remains a key regional office. Boingo maintains a strong presence here.
Boingo builds and manages wireless networks. These networks include Wi-Fi hotspots and distributed antenna systems. They also include small cells. You can find Boingo at airports, transit stations, and stadiums. Military bases and hospitals also use Boingo.
In 2007, Boingo expanded its reach. It acquired Concourse Communications Group. This acquisition brought Wi-Fi and cellular DAS networks to airports. By 2008, Boingo added 25 more airport Wi-Fi networks. This boosted their total to 55 airports.
Boingo went public in 2011. Although the initial stock price dipped, it later recovered. The company continued to grow. In 2012, Boingo acquired Cloud Nine Media. This added advertising services for sponsored Wi-Fi.
In 2013, Boingo acquired Endeka Group. This expanded services to military bases and law enforcement facilities. Boingo secured contracts with the US Air Force, Army, and Marine Corps. They installed IPTV and broadband access networks.
A major move occurred in September 2013. Boingo acquired its largest competitor, Advanced Wireless Group. This acquisition significantly increased Boingo’s presence in airports. It operated in 60 percent of North America’s top 50 airports.
Boingo launched Passpoint Secure hotspot service in 2014. Several airports were included like LAX. In June 2014, Boingo partnered with American Express. Platinum cardholders received free wireless access.
In 2015, Boingo partnered with Sprint. They offloaded Sprint’s customer traffic onto Boingo’s Wi-Fi networks. This improved Sprint’s network performance.
Boingo faced a proxy fight in 2016. Concerns arose about financial performance and board diversity. A settlement added three directors to the board. Kathleen Misunas became the first female board member since the company’s founding.
Boingo deployed a private LTE network at Dallas’ Love Field Airport in 2018. They acquired Elauwit Networks, a multifamily and student housing Wi-Fi provider. Boingo was selected by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York. They built wireless services for the Long Island Rail Road.
In 2019, Boingo expanded its Wi-Fi roaming agreement with AT&T. AT&T subscribers gained seamless Wi-Fi connections on Boingo’s networks. Mike Finley replaced David Hagan as CEO. Verizon partnered with Boingo to bring 5G service to indoor public spaces.
Digital Colony Management LLC acquired Boingo Wireless in 2021. The transaction was valued at approximately $854 million. Boingo sold off their Multifamily Business to RealPage.
Boingo launched a private network for staff at Petco Park in San Diego in 2021. In 2022, they opened a Boingo Innovation Center in Las Vegas.
Boingo’s services include 5G network deployment. Boingo deploys private LTE networks. They also design and maintain distributed antenna systems. Wi-Fi offload and small cell management are also key services. Boingo provides broadband services to military bases.
Boingo Wireless has won many awards. These include Global Traveler’s “Best Wi-Fi Service” and Wireless Broadband Alliance Industry Awards. The Los Angeles Business Journal has recognized Boingo as one of the “Best Places to Work in Los Angeles” for six years in a row.
From its humble beginnings in Los Angeles to its current status as a global connectivity leader, Boingo Wireless continues to shape how we connect. Its innovative solutions and commitment to seamless wireless access make it a vital part of our increasingly connected world.