13 May 2013 How Wi-Fi Transformed the Hospitality Industry
In recent years wireless access to the internet has become the accepted standard for the hospitality industry; in fact 70% of guests say they would not stay in a hotel if Wi-Fi is not available. From small cafes and coffee shops to high end hotels and shopping centres, business owners are now recognising the importance of granting their customers access to the world wide web via their smartphones, tablets and laptops. What’s more, Wi-Fi can now track users, provide social & footfall analytics and integrate with social media to give businesses valuable data to enhance their marketing.
PCI Compliance Beckoning for Retailers & Hoteliers
The government is cracking down hard on Payment Card Industry Data Standard (PCI) compliancy. If retailers who accept credit cards of any sort have Wi-Fi then they are legally obliged to comply with PCI. Now Wi-Fi can comply with PCI and automatically produce PCI audit reports saving retail organisations from legal threats. Within the next year, retail outlets and shops with unsecured and non-compliant Wi-Fi will be under threat due to the government’s crackdown on PCI.
Improved Performance, Lowered Costs
Since its introduction a decade ago, Wi-Fi’s speed and reliability have been steadily increasing. As high speed internet for businesses becomes increasingly more affordable, there are seemingly no downsides to allowing visitors to your business the ability to log on. The coffee shop industry was revolutionised when students and businesspeople gained the ability to log on whilst sipping a coffee.
No Wi-Fi Means Lost Business
It is now not uncommon to see coffee shops overflowing with students and those in informal meetings; every individual logging on will have bought a product from said coffee shop. If the establishment was without a wireless internet connection, the majority of these customers wouldn’t be present. There are websites dedicated to promoting locations and businesses which offer free Wi-Fi, demonstrating how highly regarding this service is. The service industry has embraced Wi-Fi internet, and those that are yet to are at a distinct disadvantage to those who have. An inability to access the internet and cloud based documents can be crippling to those required to travel whilst working/studying. As such, establishments with poor or no internet access will often be avoided for this very reason. Some hotels still charge their clients to access their network, but many are realising the “added value” benefits of providing free access.
Freemium Services
A popular solution for Hotel management, bridging the gap between potential bandwidth costs and customer satisfaction, is “Freemium” internet access. This grants casual users the ability to log on and check their emails/networks/documents for a limited time. Users who require heavier internet access are required to pay for the premium service. Freemium services are commonplace in public places, airports and shopping centres. Purdicom is a leading distributor of world-class wireless communications technology to its channel of resellers, integrators, internet service providers and solution partners. For more information on our wide range of wireless communication solutions, please do not hesitate to get in touch today.