Guests expect WiFi, and most of them expect it to be free. But bandwidth costs money, so businesses need to decide how to offer it. The good news is that you do not have to choose just one model. These are the options a platform like TekiEazi supports.
1. Free WiFi with a login
Guests get free access after a simple step on the splash page. What they do depends on the login you choose:
- give an email address, optionally with a few custom questions, and confirm it by clicking a link in an email,
- answer a short survey with emoticon ratings, or
- log in with social media and be taken to your Facebook Page.
The business gets something in return: contact details, demographic statistics or feedback. See WiFi access login options.
2. Free WiFi sponsored by ads
Guests watch a video ad or view a promotion for a minimum time, which you set, before getting free WiFi. This can be combined with the email login. WiFi ads can be full-screen banners, text or in-app image ads, and different zones can show different ads. Ad clicks and impressions are available in real time.
3. A free tier with paid upgrades
A common pattern in airports: a free, slower connection in exchange for a video ad, and faster WiFi for passengers who pay by card or buy a prepaid coupon from a shop. See airport WiFi management.
4. Paid WiFi with vouchers
You create packages with their own limits on speed, data, time, expiry date and number of devices. Guests then buy a voucher:
- online, by credit card on the splash page,
- at a self-service kiosk with a bill acceptor, or
- from a retail terminal, where each clerk has a PIN and the retailer can run daily, weekly or monthly sales reports.
Read more about custom internet plans and ePin vouchers.
5. Included with the room
Hotels can connect the WiFi to their property management system, so guests log in with their room number and last name. Hotels with limited bandwidth can limit the number of devices per guest. See hotel PMS integration.
How to choose
- Is bandwidth expensive or limited? Add speed and device limits, or charge for premium access. See bandwidth management.
- Do you want to know your guests? Use email or survey logins and WiFi marketing.
- Do you have sponsors or advertisers? Use ad-supported WiFi.
- Do guests stay for a long time or a short time? Time-based packages suit short visits, room-based logins suit hotel stays.
Not sure which fits your location? See the FAQ or contact us.