28 March 2007
Internet Solutions (IS), a leading converged communications service provider, have launched IS Wi-Fi Hotspot in a Box for those small businesses who would like to join the forefront of technology. With Wi-Fi sweeping the world as one of the ultimate mobile solutions, cafe, restaurant, gym, B&Bs, lodges, etc, can offer the service as added value to their guests and patrons or make extra revenue if they choose to charge for the service. The solution from IS is available from as little as R5 500 as an initial investment, plus monthly connectivity costs.
Subscribers to MWeb and IS, who together own more than 70% of the South African Internet market, will be able to access their email and the Internet through these hotspots as well as at the country’s airports through the ACSA partnership for hotspots. These subscribers, together with the individuals that travel through the airports and hotels in South Africa, provide for a very powerful and attractive target market whose selection can be influenced to visit locations that offer Wi-Fi hotspot services rather than those who don’t.
Extensive international roaming agreements will also ensure that locations are marketed and clearly identifiable to millions of International visitors. Roaming agreements are already in place with the following international roaming partners:
WeRoam
IPASS
Quiconnect (Sprint USA, Orange)
Roampoint
GoRemote
“The offer gives premises owners the opportunity to add value to their normal business. Business travelers and even holiday makers want to keep in touch with their offices or families regardless of destination. With most new laptop computers or PDA’s having built-in Wi-Fi adapters, usage at cafes, hotels and airports is becoming more common and even demanded by many business travelers,” said Richard Vester, Mobile Solutions manager at IS. “If your device does not have a built-in adapter, you can purchase one from as little as R350 and easily plug it into your laptop and install the required software that comes with the adapter. This solution can bring additional revenue to the business owner or it can be offered free as a customer service.”
The IS Wi-Fi Hotspot in a Box provides business owners with a tried and tested solution that enables revenue to be generated from Wi-Fi hotspot users by installing your own Wi-Fi hotspot. Each hotspot forms part of the bigger network of Wi-Fi hotspots, which enable users to roam between airports, hotels coffee shops, etc. The solution also includes:
24 hour support helpdesk that supports all end users.
Pre-configured components – it only needs to be connected to the power and the network cables.
24 hour monitoring and notification facility that reports any problems the moment they occur.
Unlimited internet bandwidth for users of each Wi-Fi hotspot.
The Wi-Fi hotspot in a box contains:
1 x Wi-Fi access point,
1 x ADSL router and firewall,
1 x Wi-Fi hotspot gateway
There is an initial once-off investment of R5 500 and a monthly fee of R200 per month excluding Telkom fees. This provides the business with all the hardware, software, support services and ISP DSL access to be able to offer Wi-Fi hotspot services. A Telkom 512kb ADSL line must also be applied for. The total cost per month is R719 (includes Telkom fees, monitoring and day to day management, Wi-Fi helpdesk support for end users, and ISP bandwidth).
For the above investment you will receive 30% of the total revenue generated at your location. The revenue is calculated based on cash and credit card sales, as well as the revenue generated by service providers’ users which are charged at a wholesale rate. The current credit card rates are R150 for 4 hours, R90 for 2 hours, R50 for 1 hour and R30 for 30 minutes.
The package also includes a starter kit selection of compulsory marketing material and signage.
Contact mobile@is.co.za for more information.
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