Hot-spot technology

The geographic boundary covered by a Wi-Fi (802.11) wireless access point. Typically set up for Internet access, anyone entering the hotspot with a Wi-Fi-based laptop can connect to the Internet, providing the access point is configured to advertise its presence and authorization is not required. If the access point is not advertising itself (not beaconing), the user has to know the name of the network, and if authorization is required, the appropriate password or key.

The Difference Between Hotspots & Roaming

There's a crucial difference between a hotspot and roaming. Depending on your business type, which one you focus on is important. If your company deploys only hotspots then your focus should be driving traffic to your specific sites.

For a fixed wireless ISP providing area wide service, roaming is most important. The WISP can offer nationwide roaming services to local business clients that DSL competitors can't touch. This is a big competitive advantage.

The Business Case

For roaming the business case is strong and simple. DSL & cable competition can't do it. It can help providers acquire valuable high dollar subscription clients. Plus they can make money when their customers roam.

For hotspots the business case is tougher. Simply building one is insufficient. The venue must value the benefit to its customers enough to pay for the service. Or the WISP and venue both must believe traffic can be driven to the site. There are two ways to do this: Traffic is brought to the venue by a hotspot roaming aggregator or traffic is generated from local signups. So, for either hotspots or roaming an aggregator partner is essential. So how do you choose that partner?

Hotspot Service Providers:

1. hotspot.tmobile.com

2. boingo.com

3. verizon.com/broadband

4. Joltage.com

5. ipass.com

6. netnearu.com