T-Mobile enters airport Wi-Fi market

Telecoms operator T-Mobile has struck a deal with BAA to provide Wi-Fi to passengers at Heathrow, Gatwick and Glasgow airports.

As of this week, passengers wanting to access email or internet using wireless laptops or PDAs will be able to connect using T-Mobile hotspots located in the international departure lounges of Heathrow Terminals Three and Four, Gatwick's South Terminal and Glasgow Airport.

The move follows rival BT Openzone's announcement in February this year that it is to install Wi-Fi access points in 80 British Airways customer lounges around the world, including Heathrow and Gatwick.

Boeing is also looking to target the lucrative business travel market for wireless by rolling out inflight Wi-Fi on Lufthansa routes later this year.

"The convenience of being able to work seamlessly, as they would in the office, while waiting to fly out to their next destination will be invaluable for business professionals," said Brian McBride, managing director of T-Mobile UK, in a statement.

Users will have to pay T-Mobile £1.50 for 15 minutes of internet access, £5 for an hour or £16.50 for 24-hour access.