13. February 2009 18:45
By Ian Galloway
In Technology
Free Wi-Fi at gas stations? USA Today reports that BP and Ruckus Wireless are working together to provide Wi-Fi to customers of BP stations throughout the US. While I have never been to a BP station, I assume that they provide some area for customers to sit otherwise the parking lot and lines at the pumps may get a bit long.
So this got me thinking. I completely agree that providing complimentary services such as Wi-Fi can improve the customer’s experience of a business, and potentially increase profits. I wonder though, is it better to offer it free with a purchase of some kind, and control access to the network or just open it up for any Tom, Dick and Harry to use? Arguments can be made on both sides. With the use of access cards a business could easily restrict access to its customers, which if the business is in a high density area may be a wise decision, keep the loafers of the network. But restricting access requires at least some action on the location employees, like handing out access codes. I guess that is why the Fusion Hotspot Network provides the option to charge, or offer for the service for free with or without restrictions.
Being in the business of offering Wi-Fi at hotels and other public places I found a particular statement in this article interesting
Owing to the engineering of BP's network, which is being installed on a station-by-station basis, BP owners can insert local ads for, say, on-site restaurants and specials on DVDs, sodas and the like.
So this got me thinking, of the hundreds of locations throughout New England that provide wireless Internet through Fusion Connex, I cannot think of many that opt to offer advertisements for their own services or local businesses. My guess is that they fear nobody will actually pay attention to them.
Would you use Wi-Fi at a gas station? What other places would benefit from having Wi-Fi?