Create Your Own Hotspot

If you want the benefits of a managed professional hotspot solution, and are willing to do a bit of setup yourself, try one of the several turnkey hotspot solutions out there. With these you can pretty much just plug a router into your broadband connection, do a little bit of configuration, and your hotspot will be up and running. They are perfect for small locations that don't require special site surveys and multiple access points. Some are managed for you, and some you can manage yourself with the included software. If you have a larger site or simply want to make a phone call and have someone install things for you, turn to the next page.

Surf and Sip Internet-Cafe-In-a-Box

Surf and Sip's ICAB solution is one of the cheapest ways to get started, and provides a generous revenue share. You get telephone technical support for your customers, billing services, online directory listing, promotional materials and signage, prepaid card capability, and the option of managed computer "SurfStations" as well as Wi-Fi access. There's a $300 setup fee, and then you pay 25 percent of sales per month, with a minimum fee of $50 per month. As with all the plans listed here, you have to pay for your own broadband service, although the companies will help you order it if you don't have it already.

Surf and Sip also manages free hotspot service for the same setup fee plus $50 per month, and offers a 90-day money-back trial period.

Partnering with Boingo

Of the big provider networks, Boingo is the easiest one for independent hotspots to join, and being a member of a large Wi-Fi network is a huge advantage. For small locations that can be served by a single access point, the simplest way to become a Boingo hotspot is to sign up with one of Boingo's service partners, including the above-mentioned Surf and Sip, as well as NetNearU, Deep Blue Wireless, and FatPort (Canada). Once you are on one of these networks, you will automatically be listed in Boingo's directory as well -- and, by extension, JiWire's!

If you have a larger location, such as a hotel, consider Boingo's WISP-in-a-Box solution, which allows web portal branding, custom pricing, and so on. Setup kits are available from NetNearU and Pronto starting at $449. More on these on the next page.

AIA Instant HotSpot

If you want the option of managing things yourself, and keeping 100 percent of your hotspot revenues, AIA Instant HotSpot gives you control. You decide how much to charge and create your own brand identity with custom login pages. The standard bundle for $889 lets you offer free or cash-based service in small to mid-sized venues (2,000+ square feet), while premium packages for $1499 and up add credit card processing capabilities and extended range for larger facilities. All packages also include marketing kits with signs, tent cards and window stickers to promote your hotspot.

Netopia Hot Spot

The Netopia Hotspot Starter Kit is another option that lets you manage things yourself, and keep most of the revenues from your hotspot. The $299 setup fee includes hardware, software and marketing materials, then a flat $40 per month covers things like access cards and filtering software.

Whotspot Starter Kit

After you buy a Starter Kit ($399-$599)Whotspot also charges flat fees per location (setup and monthly), and then provides billing services, customizable service offerings (including free hotspots), web-based management tools, usage tracking, authenticated access, and marketing support. The $25 per month basic plan is especially attractive. You get 85 percent of all proceeds deposited to your account monthly (15 percent is taken out for credit card processing). Whotspot also has handy marketing kits for many types of businesses. including bowling alleys, campgrounds and marinas in addition to the usual hotels and cafes.

Other major companies that sell turnkey hardware and software for hotspot management include AirPath, NetNearU, ICOA, Colubris, Pronto Networks and Sputnik. If you have several locations, or want to become a hotspot service provider yourself, check them out. They are not set up for the individual hotspot owner who needs a lot of hand-holding, but for IT or service-provider-level solutions. However, all have a network of resellers that will provide the installation and management for you. Check their web sites for details.