Hughes Network Systems has introduced Direcway Wi-Fi Access, its comprehensive Hot Spot solution for the enterprise market, including restaurants, coffee shops, gas stations, convenience stores, hotels, auto dealerships, truck stops, RV parks, and marinas.
Demand for broadband Internet access anytime, anywhere is fueling the growth of wireless fidelity, or Wi-Fi Hot Spots. From more than 5,000 reported last year, over 42,000 Hot Spots are estimated by year end 2004 in the US alone, serving as many as 27 million customers and generating more than $9 billion in annual revenue.
What initially started as a niche service catering to the business traveler in airports and hotels has expanded to include all classes of "windshield warriors," laptop-wielding school and college students, truckers, campers and even stay-at-home parents.
"Direcway Wi-Fi Access is a complete, managed Hot Spot solution that can turn any retail location into an Internet connection destination, encouraging repeat visits, attracting new patrons and extending peak hours," explained James Gandolfi, senior vice president and general manager, HNS San Diego.
"It's a winning proposition for a business owner to provide customers with convenient broadband Internet access, and opens up the potential for incremental revenue streams via cross-selling and co-advertising with various other content, product and service providers."
The continent-wide reach of Direcway Wi-Fi Access means that retailers can offer consistent, reliable Hot Spot service to any or all franchisee, or company-owned locations.
And HNS provides a complete, high quality managed solution, including all equipment, installation, and back-end support services, including customer billing and network management.
Direcway Wi-Fi Access is available now as an upgrade for existing enterprise customers of HNS' Direcway broadband satellite service, and will be offered through all HNS sales channels, including its direct sales team and value-added distributors and resellers.
