Ensuring high-quality WiFi and internet connectivity in retail, leisure, hotels and serviced accommodation is of utmost importance. The provision of internet access has become a fundamental requirement for both short-term and long term users.

When installing WiFi and internet connectivity for these sorts of applications it is crucial to prioritise the following considerations:

1. Bandwidth requirements: Determine the bandwidth needs of your guests by understanding the number of users and their intended usage. Different guests may require varying connection speeds based on their activities, such as video conferencing or streaming.

1. Infrastructure: Ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support the required connection speeds. This may involve additional cabling or networking equipment. Consider options like LAN cabling, WiFi solutions that accommodate guest movement, access points, repeaters, and WiFi 6, all available at different price points to address specific requirements.

1. Security: Safeguard the network by implementing robust security protocols to prevent unauthorised access. Client isolation is also worth considering if multiple users who do not know each other are essentially “sharing” a connection. This can also help protect you from GDPR and PECR related issues.

1. Service providers: Choose a reliable service provider known for delivering high-quality connectivity. Consider factors such as service reputation, cost, and the availability of customer support. Going for a cheap connection can often be a false economy so choose carefully. We can advise if needed.

1. Technical support: Despite efforts to provide reliable connectivity, issues may arise. It is crucial to have 24/7 technical support available to resolve any guest concerns promptly. Bear in mind that this can also add to the ongoing charges but can be worth it to ensure customers are happy as the connection health can be monitored and proactively managed remotely often without need to visit site if there is an issue.

In addition to these considerations, implementing a guest WiFi overlay service in retail, leisure and serviced accommodation can offer additional benefits:

• Social logon: Allow guests to log in using their social media accounts, such as Facebook or Twitter. This feature can be combined with branded splash pages, redirects to relevant content, or weather updates.

• Bandwidth management: For larger venues, such as arenas or stadiums, set bandwidth limits to ensure stable and secure connectivity for all devices, including internal systems. This can also be useful for smaller sites where bandwidth may be limited so people get a fair share.

• Paid Access / Free Access: Some clients like offering free access for a limited time or for lower speeds, and offering end users the ability to buy more time or faster speeds. This is something we can facilitate

• Incremental revenue: Utilise guest WiFi to promote cross-selling and up-selling opportunities, such as event tickets, merchandise, food and beverage offers, or VIP experiences. Segment visitor data to create personalised and automated marketing campaigns that increase revenue.

• Collecting feedback: Automate feedback requests through the WiFi setup to gather valuable insights and identify areas for improvement.

If you require a managed WiFi solution for various industries, including business, leisure, serviced accommodation, hotels, cafes, theme parks, or retail, please feel free to reach out to us at www.hm-network.com/contact. We would be happy to discuss your needs.