Coffee shop WiFi heats up

Rudolph Muller

Rudolph Muller is the editor at MyBroadband and covers telecoms and broadband news. Rudolph comes from an academic background, but left the University of...

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As more computer users find themselves on the road, many restaurants and coffee shops have introduced wireless hotspots to entice in new customers. But while many venues now offer WiFi access, they are often frustrated by customers who spend endless time, and data, while only purchasing a bottomless cup of coffee.

The result is that today’s in-store WiFi either is run at a loss or is priced out of all proportion.

Cape ISP RedButton has now launched a new offering which allows owners to control the amount of data offered, when it’s offered and at what price.

"Each restaurant has its own particular trends," says Nico de Wet, marketing and sales director of RedButton. "A coffee shop on Long Street may have a brisk trade for breakfast, but then slow down mid-morning. By offering them complete control of how they allow patrons to connect to the Internet means they can drive up traffic during their quiet time."

The service allows owners to offer customers an initial free period and then, when tables are busy, a data charge can be implemented, adding revenue to the business.

The times and charges can be manipulated in real time.

"There is a particular need for this in the market as tourism increases. Global travellers are accustomed to having always-on Internet, the trick is to use this as a means to control traffic and purchasing patterns to suit your needs," De Wet says.

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