Amenity

The amenity category includes businesses that set up a hotspot and offer free access to entice customers. These companies generally have another business purpose for attracting you to their location. For example, some coffee shops offer free Wi-Fi access because they believe you will choose to patronize their location more then another venue that lacks wireless access. McDonalds offers Wi-Fi in some locations free with the purchase of food and beverages. Offering Wi-Fi as an amenity becomes no different than offering a unique décor, clean restrooms, or, in the case of a hotel, a well-equipped gym or heated pool.

Some city governments are getting involved with 802.11 and deploying free or low-cost hot zones in city centers and downtown areas in an effort to revitalize communities. Here are three examples:

• Long Beach, CA: http://www.longbeachportals.com

• Jacksonville, FL: http://www.jaxwiz.org/

• Pittsburgh, PA: http://www.3rc.org