[IP] innovative use of wireless technologies can improve airport safety and passenger comfort

[Dave Farber <dave@farber.net>]

------ Forwarded Message
From: "W. David Stephenson" <D.Stephenson@stephensonstrategies.com>


Dave: given all the horror  stories you've run about airport mistreatment, I
thought you'd be interested in my speech to the IEEE homeland security
conference on how innovative use of wireless technology could both improve
security and make flights more enjoyable (I have a certain degree of passion
for the subject: my youngest son and I waited two hours in sub-zero weather
at Logan on 2/15 and still missed a flight because the terminal was so
chaotic!)
--David Stephenson



Creative Wireless Strategies Can Improve Airport Security and Comfort
Consultant says devices such as PDAs, cell phones can cut chaos, empower
passengers


(Cambridge, MA) May 8, 2003 ­ Creative use of a variety of new wireless
technologies can simultaneously improve airport security and increase
passenger pleasure, according to communication strategist W. David
Stephenson. He said since so many air travelers use PDAs, cell phones and
Wi-Fi-equipped laptops, airports are ideal places to capitalize on this
potential.
    Speaking at the IEEE Technologies for Homeland Security Conference (2:15
PM, Volpe Transportation Center, 55 Broadway, Cambridge), Stephenson said
"Customer satisfaction and improved security require the same things: reduce
congestion and confusion; provide real-time, location-specific information;
empower individuals; and use technology to assure identity. Wireless
technologies can do that in ways unmatched by other communications systems."
    Stephenson, principal of Stephenson Strategies (Medfield, MA), created
the "Terrorism Survival Plan," a comprehensive personal anti-terror planner
specifically for PDAs. He cited a number of other wireless innovations that
meet the dual security/comfort test:
 
* "Talking Lights," which can use fluorescent lights to transmit data. They
could transmit information to foreigners in their native languages, helping
them easily navigate airports.
* The Anoto system, which would allow travelers to fill out paper customs
forms while in the air. Data would be transmitted instantaneously to US
Customs for processing prior to arrival.
* "FlightView," used by Logan Airport and others to provide real-time
information on arriving and departing flights, reducing traffic congestion
among those meeting incoming flights.
* "AdAlive," airport billboards equipped with Internet-access pointsthat can
give travelers real-time information via their PDAs.

"If most passengers can meet their own information needs through self-serve
wireless technologies, bottlenecks will be reduced, TSA screeners will have
fewer irate passengers to deal with, and they can instead concentrate on
surveillance of the few real threats, Stephenson concluded.

Stephenson Strategies is a strategic communications firm, based in Medfield,
MA. W. David Stephenson has a national reputation as an innovative homeland
security strategist, concentrating on innovative use of technology to
empower the general public as full partners in homeland security. His
background includes award-winning work as a corporate crisis manager.

-- 
W. David Stephenson
D.Stephenson@Stephensonstrategies.com
Stephenson Strategies
335 Main St.
Medfield, MA 02052
(508) 359-5112

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