Real ID required for free airport Wi-Fi

Travelers logging onto free Wi-Fi services at the city's two airports now need to use their real identification to register, Shanghai Airport Authority announced yesterday.

Cell phone users registered with a local mobile operator can go through the verification by logging in with the password automatically sent to the phone via text message, while roaming or foreign passengers can acquire a password by scanning identification documents such as passports and ID cards, according to the airport operator.

The policy is in line with the requirements of the Ministry of Public Security, said airport officials.

Airport staff also need to comply with the requirements while working at the terminals.

The name of the server at the Pudong International Airport is SPIA-guest and the one at the Hongqiao International Airport is SHA-Airport-FreeWifi.

Scanning machines for passports and ID cards are available at the airport terminals, said the operator.

The city is expanding the number of public places where locals can enjoy free Wi-Fi, with more railway stations, areas along the Bund and hospitals up and running by the end of the year. It's part of an effort to build a "wireless city."

Users can get access to free Wi-Fi two hours each day at about 300 places in the city this year, growing to 450 places in 2013.

Users can gain access to the service at i-Shanghai, according to officials with city information technology authority.