Since taking over the operations of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on 14 September 2024, the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) has been eager to showcase its recent upgrades, particularly regarding the airport’s Wi-Fi services. NNIC claims that passengers now enjoy faster, more reliable internet, with average speeds of 50-60 Mbps and peak speeds of up to 115 Mbps. However, a closer look at these claims reveals potential issues that could undermine these supposed improvements.
Prior to NNIC’s takeover, FREE Wi-Fi at NAIA was already available, provided by major telecom companies like PLDT/Smart, Globe Telecom, and Converge ICT. NNIC’s partnerships with PLDT/Smart and Converge (based on their latest press release) for Wi-Fi services may sound like an enhancement, but passengers might wonder just how much has really changed. For years, these same providers offered internet connectivity at NAIA, leaving travelers questioning whether NNIC’s involvement has made a noticeable impact.
The reported speeds of 50-60 Mbps, with occasional peaks of 115 Mbps, may seem like an improvement, but they still fall short of the high standards set by other major international airports. In many global hubs, passengers enjoy free Wi-Fi speeds that regularly exceed 100 Mbps. NAIA’s speeds, while better than before, remain below what travelers increasingly expect from a modern airport experience. In addition, NNIC’s mention of “peak speeds” implies that such fast connections may not be consistently available, especially during peak travel times.
One of the more concerning aspects of NNIC’s announcement is the removal of the requirement for passengers to provide personal information to access the free Wi-Fi. While this may seem like a welcome change for travelers seeking more convenience, it also opens the door to potential security risks. The absence of an authentication process could be exploited by bad actors looking to take advantage of the airport’s open network, putting unsuspecting users at risk of data breaches, phishing attacks, or other cyber threats.
While the new three-hour limit is an improvement over the previous two-hour cap, it still falls short for passengers with long layovers or those who rely heavily on internet connectivity for work or leisure. In an age where seamless, high-speed internet is a basic expectation for travelers, limiting access to just three hours feels restrictive.
Despite NNIC’s efforts to present these changes as a major step forward, passengers may remain skeptical about whether the improvements truly meet their needs. The internet speeds, though improved, are not yet on par with global standards, and the removal of personal information requirements, while convenient, introduces potential security concerns. As a result, many travelers are left wondering whether these upgrades will enhance their airport experience or simply leave them vulnerable while still dealing with subpar connectivity. We think that this is just a press release.