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Old 05-20-2004   #6 (permalink)
TarHeelV
Registered Member
 
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 8
Quote:
Originally Posted by dgstinner
I think Linksys already beat you to it. They have a new Wireless-G VPN Broadband Router, WRV54G, coming out in a few days (5/24/2004 or at least that's when newegg.com gets it) with a firmware upgrade to turn it into a commercial hotspot through Boingo.

Info here
Info on the router here
PDF explaining the payout and setup

Thanks for the info. Here is what I see as the difference. I will let the masses decide which option is better:
  • We completely manage our solution, from initial install forever. The owner doesn't have to even know the box exists once it is installed. We would provide all user reports on a monthly basis, though the owner can access the reports at anytime he/she wants online. The press release says Boingo offers backoffice, but, again, I would have to research to determine if that is strictly from a billing/pay out standpoint or if they are offering more

    We provide content filtering

    Ours is set-up for free access, designed as an amenity. I understand there are two entirely different camps of thought regarding Free vs Fee. Our value proposition is the hotspot is a marketing tool and differeniator:

    "...their survey showed that six percent of visitors to the stores during the survey came because of wireless access. At $7 for an average customer purchase, that equates to $100,000 in gross additional revenue per store.."
    http://wifinetnews.com/archives/002436.html

    They offer access to entire Boingo network which is a nice feature provided people want to pay for it. Again, the Free vs Fee argument.

As I have said, I am willing to listen to any and all arguments for and against our proposition. My thought is that the target market we are going after doesn't have a technical background and wants something they don't have to worry about, that provides value-add for their customers.

Thanks again for your input.
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