The airport’s internal operations will now use a private 5G network to manage passenger traffic, security systems and baggage handling.
Mike Youngs, vice president of IT services at the airport, said Wi-Fi is an “absolute must-have service” for travelers. The airport and AT&T plan to begin upgrading the network this summer and enhancements will be online by the fall.
“This proposed agreement signifies our commitment to ensure our customers will always remain connected at DFW Airport, so they can reliably stay online for work or entertainment while traveling,” Youngs said.
The airport went out for a competitive bid because it felt the need to assess the market, Youngs said, but also wanted to take a look at the airport’s Internet needs for operations. Ten proposals were evaluated by DFW. AT&T will also pay DFW $750,000 annually to offload cellular services onto the airport’s Wi-Fi network.
“We wanted to get efficiencies, economies of scale, by having a single provider manage both environments and all the associated infrastructure,” Youngs said.
The plan calls for improved connections throughout indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots and runways.
AT&T and the airport will enter a five-year initial contract with options to extend one year annually after.
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