Albany, NY (February 11, 2005) - - - Valentine’s Day travelers at Albany International Airport will be able to "get connected to the one they love" for free. On February 14, travelers carrying laptop or other wireless computer devices will be offered free access to the Airport’s wireless (WiFi) system. The event, a cooperative effort on the part of the Airport and its wireless service provider Opti-Fi, is designed to introduce additional travelers to the Airport’s wireless network.

Throughout the day the Airport’s Ambassadors will be scanning the terminal for computer users and presenting them with coupons that will entitle them to 15-minutes of free use of the Airport’s Opti-Fi network. The Airport’s wireless system enables travelers to use their laptop computers to link directly to the Internet from the comfort of Airport restaurants, hold rooms and lounge areas.

"Many of our travelers may still be unaware of the Airport’s wireless network that enables them to connect directly to their home, office and the Internet," said Rev. Michael A. Farano, Chairman of the Albany Country Airport Authority. "Our Ambassadors will be offering our travelers an opportunity to get connected and experience the convenience of our wireless Airport."

Using the Airport Opti-Fi network is quite simple. Laptop users simply turn on their computer and connect to Opti-Fi. Prompts will appear on the computer screen that will instruct individuals to use their credit cards for the secure payment of daily access charges. The Airport’s WiFi provides wireless access for a daily fee of $6.95 or $39.95 per month. Opti-Fi also offers Albany travelers with one time 15-minute introductory offer for $2.99.

Airport customers’ computers must be equipped with a wireless enabled operating system such as Windows XP or Windows 2000 to properly link with the system. Computers must also be equipped with an 802-11.b card to receive the service. Most new laptop computers come factory-equipped with the proper hardware.

In addition to the Airport’s wireless system, all pay phones are equipped to enable travelers to connect to the Internet. Internet service is also available in a comfortable office environment at the Airport Business Center where customers can take advantage of free laptop work stations or rent Microsoft Office work stations.

The Business Center also offers full-service Video Conferencing and three conference rooms. Recently, the Business Center opened its Foreign Currency Exchange which enables travelers to exchange foreign currency for U.S. dollars and U.S. dollars for foreign currency.

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