"Wi-Fi" technology at Kuwait International Airport


"Wi-Fi" technology at Kuwait International Airport, the first project of its kind in the region, providing wireless Internet connection at the airport lounges and the "Airport Mall" using Intel technology.

 

Kuwait: 29/11/2003 United Projects Co., the company managing various buildings at Kuwait International Airport, announced that Kuwait International Airport will be the first airport in the Middle East to provide Wireless Fidelity services for Internet connectivity via what is known as "Hot Spots" within the airport's shopping areas, as part of the "Airport Mall" project.

 

The announcement was made by Dr. Hussein Al-Sayegh, Deputy Chairman & CEO, United Projects Co. (UPC), (http://www.upcq8.com), who explained that this accomplishment is yet another step forward for Kuwait International Airport, reinforcing its status amongst regional airports, as it utilizes advanced technologies to serve passengers who wish to have Internet access, without the need for any kind of cabling whatsoever.

Al Alamiah Computer Systems, Kuwait, part of Al Alamiah Group, and the most prominent player in the technology sector in the region, has undertaken the execution of this extraordinary technical project, in cooperation with the international IT giant Intel. The first phase of the project includes the implementation of five connection points, covering the arrival & departure lounges, as well as the food courts. This will be followed by several other phases, all of which will be implemented in accordance with Intel's standards and specifications. Fahad Al Sharekh, Director, Business Development, Al Alamiah Group, explained that this project is part of the pioneering ventures executed by the companies of Al Alamiah Group, Kuwait, and comes as a direct response to the technological advancement witnessed by the various sectors in Kuwait.

 

Once this project is complete, the "Airport Mall" at Kuwait International Airport will be the first in the Middle East to provide wireless connectivity enabling users to connect to the Internet at high speed, without the need for wires at all. This means that users can conduct their businesses within the areas covered by this service quickly & easily. Users can check their email, call their offices, receive files stored on their company's website, browse the Internet, and send email to their clients & customers, without worrying about having cabled Internet connection.

"Hot Spots" are points which allow wireless Internet connection. The number of "Hot Spots" has been on the increase worldwide, offering users the total freedom of wireless Internet connectivity while on the move, any time, anywhere. According to a study carried out by International Data Corporation (IDC), the number of "Hot Spots" worldwide is expected to reach 118 points by the year 2005.

 

"It is only natural that Al Alamiah Group, a group that works in unison with Intel & other giant IT companies worldwide, and one which remains abreast of the latest technological advances, should be the first to pave the way in executing projects of this kind," Al Sharekh elaborated.

 

"We are always keen to offer passengers using Kuwait International Airport the latest technologies the market has to offer, thus providing them with the best comforts that suit their needs. It is for this reason that we have chosen Al Alamiah Computer Systems to execute this project, in addition to the company's reputation as the pioneering national company working within international specifications & standards, and its exceptional relationship with Intel & other IT companies worldwide," Al Sayegh added.

 

Passengers inside the shopping area who wish to use Laptops with Centrino processors, PCMCIA wireless connection, or any other equipment with wireless capabilities, can now access the Internet wirelessly as they visit any of the restaurants or cafeterias within the "Airport Mall" at Kuwait International Airport.

It is worth noting that Kuwait International Airport has provided its services to approximately 3.95 million passengers, who used 35 international airlines, by the end of October last. The total number of passengers for 2003 is expected to exceed those recorded last year, which reached 4.18 million. It is also expected that Kuwait International Airport, which has a total capacity exceeding 5 million passengers annually, will witness a further increase in the number of passengers as the expansion projects continue to take place at the airport.