There are reports that an agreement has been reached between the Port Authority and the operator of their WiFi service to give customers 30 minutes of free WiFi by the end of 2014. Additional periods – hours, days or weeks, will be available for purchase.

Apparently, in 1999 (!) a deal was signed for 15 years, which allowed a 10 year extension. The current rates are $4.95 per hour, or $7.95 per day. Unfortunately, it appears that the option to extend was only on the side of the provider, now Boingo.

Of course, many airport clubs offer free WiFi, so this will primarily impact passengers without access.

A welcome change in my view.