Maybe that's the real problem - people think they are paying for the wireless network as part of the conference fee, when the reality (as I understand it) is that a substantial part of the cost of the wireless network comes from sponsors, donors, and/or volunteers.
The network (i.e., internet connectivity, wired infrastructure, and wireless) is the responsibility of the local host or in the case of the no-host meetings (like Minneapolis) the IETF secretariat. So I think at least in the case of the no-host meetings we are paying for the network (wired and wireless). My understanding is that even with lots of donations of services, the network is an expensive undertaking. Also, from our experience hosting the Atlanta meeting I suspect that not having a terminal room and only having wireless access probably saves money.
Bob