Airport Wi-Fi Users Are Rich And Big SpendersAirport Wi-Fi Users Are Rich And Big Spenders

A new study from JiWire unearths some interesting bits of information regarding Wi-Fi use at airports. More than half of users tend to make more than $100,000 per year, and 75% plan to make a big-ticket purchase in the next 12 months. Does that describe you?There's no argument that Wi-Fi has become an essential business tool. I use Wi-Fi nearly every single day for work, especially when on the road. Many of you (or your employees) likely do, as well. That's why some of JiWire's findings in its recent study aren't too surprising.

For example, the study found that airport business travelers are connecting via Wi-Fi for a significant amount of time: Eighty-one percent spend over 30 minutes online while waiting for their flight, and 32% spend over an hour online. Personally, I fit right into that demographic, and usually log in for at least 30 minutes before boarding my plane.

But what sort of people are connecting? JiWire tells us:

Perhaps the most interesting statistic was revealed when JiWire checked to see what sorts of devices are being used to connect to the Internet. JiWire notes that the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch combined account for 95% of mobile ad requests. Devices built on the Android-operating system emerged in the number four spot, while the Palm Pre continued to see growth and remained ranked at number five. JiWire doesn't say what devices held the number two and number three spots. RIM? Nokia? Microsoft Mobile?

A couple more stats for you. JiWire says that hotels continue to experience the highest number of WI-Fi visits, totaling some 65.5% of the WI-Fi market. That's obvious. I almost always use Wi-Fi at hotels when traveling. Airports are growing quickly, however, with visits increasing by 23.2% in the third quarter (compared to the year-ago quarter).