| WiFi is a very hot commodity worldwide...for both | | | | whether or not to bill your clients for wireless |
| users & those wanting to cash in on the business | | | | internet access. Today, more and more |
| potential. Below you'll find some things to consider | | | | enterprises are offering wireless internet access |
| if you're one of those interested in the business | | | | as a value-added service in an effort to attract |
| potential of WiFi. If you have more to add....please | | | | more visitors to their hotels/shops. In today's |
| do. | | | | competitive environment, offering complimentary |
| I'll try to keep this as simple as possible. | | | | hot zones can be the determining factor when |
| Here's some simple ideas you should consider for | | | | customers weigh your offering against that of |
| becoming a WiFi Hotspot. | | | | your competitors. |
| * To turn your business into a hotspot, you really | | | | However, should you find that billing your |
| only need 2 things: | | | | customers is what you want to do, find a |
| - Hotspot Kit (which should include hardware, | | | | provider who can help you do that. Your hotspot |
| software, and remote monitoring) | | | | kit should come with software that will enable you |
| - High Speed Internet (whatever is appropriate | | | | to take credit cards right over your gateway (the |
| for your situation....DSL, T1, or DS3 connectivity) | | | | page the users 'see' when they try to access the |
| * Before you order your hotspot kit, you need to | | | | web using your hotspot). You'll likely partner with |
| first determine what type of service you will | | | | that provider in that revenues would be shared |
| need: | | | | by both you and "them". Thae provider you |
| - Single Access Point OR | | | | choose will make sure the hotspot is running |
| - Multiple Access Point | | | | efficiently. This allows you to focus on your key |
| The number of connection points you need is | | | | business and to receive a profit-share check each |
| determined by the amount of area that you wish | | | | and every month your customers log on to the |
| to make available for wireless internet access. For | | | | net in your hotspot. |
| example....larger hotels will require one access point | | | | The above is a simplistic description of what you'll |
| per every 20 rooms (on average) while a coffee | | | | need to think about before becoming a WiFi |
| shop can adequately service their clientele with | | | | hotspot. Do your homework along these lines and |
| just a single access point. | | | | you'll have a decent foundation to make a good |
| * The last decision you will need to make is | | | | business sense decision. |