Airwave Adventurers Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked Questions

What is this Wi-Fi thing I keep hearing about?

A: Wi-Fi is wireless networking. It works just like your cordless phone, or a two way radio except it passes data via radio wave instead of sound. Your laptop or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) is the handset and the Access Point (HotSpot) is the base unit. Anywhere you find a HotSpot, you can connect to the internet. You can move around at will and still keep in touch. It is the growing wave of the future and the next step beyond cell phones. It is estimated that by 2005, at least 75% of all laptop computers and PDAs will come with Wi-Fi built-in. This is an era of “Instant Gratification” and people want constant access to information. First it was the cell phone and then the internet and now it will be Wi-Fi. The days of the Dick Tracy wristwatch are not that far off. There are watches in the works right now that will be able to use Wi-Fi in the next 5 years. The widespread availability of WLAN-enabled laptops and PDAs are allowing the business person and consumer to gain easy, wireless access to the internet just about anywhere, all at broadband speeds. Users will soon be demanding high-speed internet access not just at work and home, but also in public locations, such as RV Parks, marinas, restaurants and cafés. Offering wireless broadband internet access you will not only differentiate your establishment from the competition and attract new business, but will also generate incremental revenue for your property. Today, 3,000 Starbucks™ locations are becoming high-speed internet locations. McDonalds™, KOA (Kampground of America)™ and Denny's™ have joined a long list of HotSpot Access Points, as well as the Marriott Hotel, Holiday Inn and Best Western chains. By 2007, 65% of restaurants, hotels and cafés will provide wireless high-speed access to customers, according to Analyses.

What do I get out of putting a HotSpot Access Point in my business?

A: You get a percentage of the profits by offering your customers wireless broadband internet access. Offering wireless internet access will encourage customers to stay longer and spend more, allowing you to capture more revenue per customer. You can generate additional sources of revenue by placing advertisements for local businesses on your portal and charge them for it, bringing in additional income and just from that, you should be able to cover the cost of the DSL line. You will also be able to rent or sell the Wi-Fi adapter cards. There will be many ways to get direct and indirect income from being a HotSpot Access Point. Offering wireless broadband services in your business requires some up front costs. The service pays for itself with only minimal usage. Only one access device is required to cover a typical business. Each access device can cover a 300 foot range in all directions. High-speed wireless internet connectivity can be a key differentiator that makes customers choose your business over others. Offering internet access will also increase customer satisfaction and build customer loyalty.

What type of Location-Based and Personalized Services are there?

A: Using Airwave Adventurers' solutions enables you to provide customers with a variety of location-specific information and advertisements (i.e., Ferry & Bus schedules, Specials of the Day and discounts to theme parks). You can also offer incentives for customers to use the service, such as free-trial coupons and pre-paid cards, sell ad space on your customized portal to nearby businesses, and offer on-site printing services.

How easy is it to use?

A: Initial usage is easy for customers with WLAN-enabled laptops or PDAs. Airwave Adventurers' system simply redirects the customers’ browsers to a proprietary web page where they can easily log on and purchase high speed internet access from the wireless internet service provider (WISP) serving your business.

What about Security?

A: Airwave Adventurers' solution offers IP Sec-based security, ensuring that every customer' connection and data transmission is safe from hackers.

How long does it take to install?

A: Depending on the type of location, installation is fast and easy due to Airwave Adventurers' plug-n-play design. Initial installation requires no on-site technical assistance or additional cabling and can normally be installed within an hour. All system configuration is performed remotely at a centralized data center by Airwave Adventurers.

How is User Access and Billing handled?

A: The Airwave Adventurers' system offers several easy ways for users to purchase internet access, such as through credit cards, coupons, or pre-paid cards. The Airwave Adventurers' system also offer several automated billing options.

How do I manage the HotSpot?

A: All network installation and administration is provided by Airwave Adventurers. We also provide ongoing maintenance and technical support, creating no new responsibilities for your employees. Toll free customer service is also provided.

How will I get my customers to use the service?

A: While the number of HotSpot venues has increased from several hundred to tens of thousands worldwide in the past 3 years, usage has not grown at similar rates, especially in the café and retail venues. Factors behind the low HotSpot usage rate stem from a variety of factors including lack of awareness and non-target venue deployment. Education will be the key. Make sure your employee’s understand what you are doing and have a basic idea of how the system works so they can explain it to the end users. The more your clients know about Wi-Fi, the more they will use it.

How can customers pay?

A: End-users can pay for access via:
· A credit card online
· A pre-paid card purchased at your office

What do I need to get started and how long will it take?

A: All you need is a high speed Internet Connection (DSL, Broadband, Satellite or T1 Line) installed and a power source. We can have you up in a maximum of two weeks or in as little as three days from date you get an active internet connection.

What range is available with the HotSpot Networking System?

A: The embedded antenna provides a range of 300 feet indoors. The actual range depends upon a number of factors including surroundings, type of building, etc. Outside, it depends on the surroundings also. Example: At one location we get 1600 feet with our MP Quad Antenna with no obstactions and in the opposite direction, we get 900 feet due to trees. This is off the same antenna. But in order for the end customer to get their signal back to the base unit, at those ranges, you need to use a repeater.

Why do I need repeaters?

A: Our access points and repeaters put out a 200mWatt signal. The majority of all Wi-Fi cards are built to transmit a 50mWatt signal and the built-in cards in most laptops only transmit a 35MWatt signal. This works fine for cafes and places where people are close to the signal source, but in RV parks and some hotels, the end customer does not have enough power to get back to the signal source. They see the signal and show that they are connected and when they can not get on-line, they get frustrated and they are dis-satisifed with the service.