The Latest WiFi Hatred

For years, plenty of people in the industry have said that the business models for WiFi hotspot companies wasn't going to work - and it's no surprise to find out that prediction has remained true. Still, for the past month, since Cometa has shut down, the press has come out with article after article after article acting as if it's some big surprise that WiFi hotspots don't make money. The latest, from the Associated Press even suggests that WiFi itself isn't going anywhere because no company has been able to build a successful hotspot business model. That's like saying Linux has no future, because you don't have to pay to get it. One of these days, reporters (and certain business people) will learn that just because something is free, it doesn't mean that it has no future. In fact, when something is free, it often has a much bigger future than otherwise.
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Filed Under: wifi, wi-fi


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  • identicon
    Michael Swisher, 14 Jun 2004 @ 12:20am

    Free Wi Fi

    I have to agree that companies cannot survive on WiFi alone. I also agree that it makes a great add on product.We all know it is not rocket science to install a wireless router,anybody with a brain can accomplish this task.I have a proposal in to the largest home improvement company in the country and it appeals to them,because we are going to give the service to their customers just for making a purchase. The equipment cost is nothing,the service is primarily being use for alternative marketing and I believe these are the types of customers we should be seeking out.

    link to this | view in chronology ]


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