First off many customers question what is a social WiFi network? A social wifi network is a public WiFi wireless free zone that enables users to connect their smart phones and tables to the internet by logging in with their social media account (Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn or email).
With the retail and restaurant establishments who currently offer a free WiFi system run into a number of challenges and security implementations that the USA and Canadian government . These governments are looking to put strict policies on offering free WiFi services. Many organizations who are providing "Free Hotspot Zones" should follow certain security restrictions of not allowing their customers to browse certain restricted websites. This is usually offered by hosting a controller type of environment that has the capabilities of content filtering.
When working with other hardware vendors or deploying a non Meraki solution you will need to manage your content filtering, bandwidth restrictions and more by either a software application or a hardware controller application. The cost of a software application could be as high as $2500 plus 1 license to manage 1 access point. As an alternative you could use expensive software to manage your content and bandwidth.
We've worked with many technology advisers and the best route or choice is to select a company who can manage all the aspects of your social WiFi campaign. Connectsim.ca a local based company in the greater Toronto area offers a unique package that we haven't seen. They offer you a fully managed WiFi social media solutions as well as corporate branding, signage and social media management. Connectsim.ca will print you a 33"x 80" vinly roll up banner that displays your new WiFi social network with new specials or offerings you. They provide you a new restaurant design menu and on each page has a "free WiFi Zone icon", they also provide you witih Free high end glossy coasters (not cheap ones) that displays a message to log into the WiFi zone with your social media account of choice (Twitter, Facebok or LinkedIn). They also create you a Facebook website and Twitter Website as well as manage it throughout the year. This is just part of the package we've seen from them. They also incorpoate an SEO package that includes 3 keywords to be optimized when you sign up with their mid to high level packages. Their packages start at $299/month.
We approached Connectsim at a local restaurant trade show to ask them the typical costs to start a campaign with them and how long a typical contract runs. From our quick 10 minute conversation with Connectsim their mid Social WiFi package starts at around $500/month with a 1 year commitment. For what they offer in this package is a steal (signage, branding, coasters, large signs, facebook management and twitter design pages and more)
To summarize what you'll need to run a basic social WiFi campaign is the license from Connectsim that will cost roughly $25-$30/month but this doesn't include any assistance or setup just documentation from their website. This monthly fee is for one sensor or access point ,if you require more wireless coverage you will need a second license. Basic fees from many vendors will not include the advanced features of coupon management, splash screen management, content filtering or bandwidth filtering. Its best to contact a local managed WiFi social provider in your area. Connectsim ships through North America and all you'll have to do is send them a diagram with your retail or restaurant schematic and they'll ship you out a fully configure splash page Social WiFi product.
With the retail and restaurant establishments who currently offer a free WiFi system run into a number of challenges and security implementations that the USA and Canadian government . These governments are looking to put strict policies on offering free WiFi services. Many organizations who are providing "Free Hotspot Zones" should follow certain security restrictions of not allowing their customers to browse certain restricted websites. This is usually offered by hosting a controller type of environment that has the capabilities of content filtering.
When working with other hardware vendors or deploying a non Meraki solution you will need to manage your content filtering, bandwidth restrictions and more by either a software application or a hardware controller application. The cost of a software application could be as high as $2500 plus 1 license to manage 1 access point. As an alternative you could use expensive software to manage your content and bandwidth.
We've worked with many technology advisers and the best route or choice is to select a company who can manage all the aspects of your social WiFi campaign. Connectsim.ca a local based company in the greater Toronto area offers a unique package that we haven't seen. They offer you a fully managed WiFi social media solutions as well as corporate branding, signage and social media management. Connectsim.ca will print you a 33"x 80" vinly roll up banner that displays your new WiFi social network with new specials or offerings you. They provide you a new restaurant design menu and on each page has a "free WiFi Zone icon", they also provide you witih Free high end glossy coasters (not cheap ones) that displays a message to log into the WiFi zone with your social media account of choice (Twitter, Facebok or LinkedIn). They also create you a Facebook website and Twitter Website as well as manage it throughout the year. This is just part of the package we've seen from them. They also incorpoate an SEO package that includes 3 keywords to be optimized when you sign up with their mid to high level packages. Their packages start at $299/month.
We approached Connectsim at a local restaurant trade show to ask them the typical costs to start a campaign with them and how long a typical contract runs. From our quick 10 minute conversation with Connectsim their mid Social WiFi package starts at around $500/month with a 1 year commitment. For what they offer in this package is a steal (signage, branding, coasters, large signs, facebook management and twitter design pages and more)
To summarize what you'll need to run a basic social WiFi campaign is the license from Connectsim that will cost roughly $25-$30/month but this doesn't include any assistance or setup just documentation from their website. This monthly fee is for one sensor or access point ,if you require more wireless coverage you will need a second license. Basic fees from many vendors will not include the advanced features of coupon management, splash screen management, content filtering or bandwidth filtering. Its best to contact a local managed WiFi social provider in your area. Connectsim ships through North America and all you'll have to do is send them a diagram with your retail or restaurant schematic and they'll ship you out a fully configure splash page Social WiFi product.
About the Author:
Try a FREE demo of our Social WiFi offering, or see it online. We ship across North America Social WiFi Toronto www.connectsim.ca
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