Right now is probably one the highest points in wireless Internet technology. What I mean by this is virtually everybody has a Wi-Fi enabled device, and this means that virtually everybody is itching to use their new toy to its full potential. With your mobile cell phones, smart phones, laptops, PDA’s and even MP3 players there is a good chance that no matter who you talk to on the street, they will probably have some kind of wireless enabled device. So now we have a problem, there are so many who want to use their new devices to their full potential, but alas, outside of their homes there is nowhere else for them to go. This is where the wireless hotspot comes in, and also where you can drive customers to your establishment.

There are two general types of hotspots, the ones that you pay for, and the ones that are free. Now let’s be real, the only people who would want to pay for wireless are few and far between (I know I would never pay unless I absolutely had to). So this is why if you are thinking about deploying a wireless hotspot, it is be best to make it free for all to enjoy. Giving away wireless Internet for free may sound crazy, but think about the long term expense of roughly $45 a month for the connection to the Internet, not much considering the increase in customer base, and customer retention (you wouldn’t want to lose business to a competitor who decided to implement a wireless hotspot would you?).

Now you may be thinking that by allowing anyone to access the hotspot you are going to open up yourself to Internet abuse, this doesn’t have to be the case! Just because you are allowing anyone access doesn’t mean that you are going to let them do whatever they want, whenever they want. For example, the hotspot can be configured to only broadcast during your business hours, and the network range can be setup so that only those physically inside your location can view and access the hotspot. By limiting access to only those inside your business this greatly reduces the type of malicious use that you could be exposed to and also makes it easier for you and your staff to monitor who is using the wireless network.

Security and usability aside, think about the other possibilities of a free wireless hotspot. Let’s say you have your hotspot setup to allow anyone to access it, however before they can do anything on the network they need to register their information. Just imagine the marketing possibilities!

Wireless is here to stay and is only going to get bigger, so there is no better time than now to establish your own wireless haven and bask in the sea of customers that will come looking for their fix…