People waiting for departures and arrivals at the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport can now spend their time surfing the Web for free.

The Niagara Transportation Authority announced last week that it has entered into a three-year agreement with Advanced Wireless Group to provide free high-speed Internet service to airport customers.

“Staying connected and productive while away from the office or home has become essential to today’s traveler,” said Carmen Granto, NFTA commissioner and chairman of the authority’s Aviation Committee. “Passengers can sit down, relax, enjoy a meal, all while downloading files, sending emails or checking the status of their connecting flight from their laptop or PDA at no cost to them.”

Users of the system receive unlimited high-speed Internet access in 45-minute, log-in sessions. Each free session requires the user to watch an approximately 30-second advertisement or fill out a brief survey prior to gaining each free connection. Technical support can be obtained by calling 1-877-294-9434.

Access to high-speed Internet service is possible at almost any point within the departure level and in the baggage claim area.

Advance Wireless has airport installations across the country, including Boston, Atlanta, Miami, Indianapolis and San Francisco.