Comment Just need to get the business model right. (Score 3, Informative) 152
Current business models of non-free public hotspots assume that the
HotSpot is operated by a Wireless Internet Service provider, with some
kind of revenue sharing with the venue owner. In other words the
business relationship is not between the end-user and the venue owner,
but instead between the end-user and a third party (the WISP).
This business model is in strong contrast to other goods and services which are sold at the venue. At a hotel everything from breakfast to video on demand is sold directly from the hotel to the hotel guest. This gives the hotel a strong incentive to promote the products and make sure that the product works. With WiFi today most of the revenue goes to the WISP which also has the support obligation towards the end-user.
Wifi access needs to be sold directly by the venue owner to the end-user, and the venue owner also needs to be the primary responsible for the quality of the product.
Have a look at personal telco which has a great review of open source HotSpot software.
This business model is in strong contrast to other goods and services which are sold at the venue. At a hotel everything from breakfast to video on demand is sold directly from the hotel to the hotel guest. This gives the hotel a strong incentive to promote the products and make sure that the product works. With WiFi today most of the revenue goes to the WISP which also has the support obligation towards the end-user.
Wifi access needs to be sold directly by the venue owner to the end-user, and the venue owner also needs to be the primary responsible for the quality of the product.
Have a look at personal telco which has a great review of open source HotSpot software.
