What is the expected timeline for the rollout of the converged 5G and Wi-Fi 7 network, and when will revenue from this project be recognized?
Rollâout timeline & revenue recognition
Boingoâs press release states that the converged 5GâWiâFiâŻ7 solution at Hollywood Burbank Airport will be deployed in phases during the second half of 2024, with full commercial operation expected by Q4âŻ2024. Because the contract is a multiâyear, performanceâbased agreement, Boingo will begin to recognize revenue on a straightââline basis beginning in the first quarter of 2025, once the network is fully commissioned and the airport starts drawing on the service. The company has indicated that the bulk of the projectâs revenue will be booked in the 2025 fiscal year, with a tailâend of incremental fees spilling into 2026 as the airport expands the solution to additional terminals and groundâsupport functions.
Trading implications
The nearâterm rollout in H2âŻ2024 should act as a catalyst for Boingoâs stock, reinforcing the âindustryâleadingâ narrative and prompting shortâcovering and modest buying on the backâofâtheâenvelope earnings boost. However, the revenue impact will not be reflected in the current quarterâs results; investors should price in the upside only after the Q1âŻ2025 earnings window, when the firstâtimeâuse fees start to flow. In the meantime, the market can treat the announcement as a positive, but nonâimmediate, earnings driverâa good time to position for a modest upside ahead of the Q1âŻ2025 earnings release, while remaining mindful that the bulk of the financial benefit is still a year away.