Google shuts down airport Wi-Fi promotion

Google's airport Wi-Fi initiative raised $500k for charity

Google has ended its programme to provide free Wi-Fi in US airports, and will pull the plug on nearly all of the 54 wireless networks it was sponsoring as well as an in-flight internet partnership with Virgin America.

The free Wi-Fi service was offered in addition to the built-in wireless initiatives already in use at certain airports.

Three of the participating airports - Burbank, Boston and Seattle - have decided to extend the life of the Wi-Fi networks through the remainder of the year.

Announced in November, the free Wi-Fi platform was intended to run through the holidays and terminate on 15 January. Heightened demand, however, led Google to extend the contract until the end of the month.

The programme also sought to raise money for several charities. Google estimates that users of the Wi-Fi networks donated some $250,000 (£156,000), which the company will match.