FAQs

How does this differ from a splash page ad?
Redirecting a ‘splash’ or ‘landing’ page utilizes a process called “Portal Capturing” – which is a common feature among low-end routers these days. The difference is that Portal Capturing only gives you one opportunity to relay your message where Hotspot stays with the user throughout their entire session. In addition, people really hate being redirected to a web page that they didn’t ask for – which is what you have to do to get them to see your advertising / messages through portal capturing. Our service uses a combination of packet routing, light weight tunneling and iframe injection technologies. The result is a more robust, yet unobtrusive delivery that stays with the user throughout their entire on-line session.

Do you provide Wi-Fi or just the ability to advertise?
If you currently have Wi-Fi, we will integrate with any provider’s network. If you don’t, and you would like to, we can introduce you to a WiFi service provider that can help.  We are a marketing company that developed the technology that works with WiFi.  We don’t provide WiFi service.

How much does the service cost?
We have several different options available including licensing, CPM (Cost Per Thousand) and a static monthly model.

Do I need hardware for this service?
No. All hardware is provided for you.

Can’t I just do this myself?
Not really. Our delivery method (which is patent pending) is the culmination of many years of research. It takes a lot of effort to make it look easy!

Can I resell ad space?
Certainly – the message space we create is 100% under your control.

Is anything loaded on the customer’s computer?
Not a thing. They will only see YOUR messages while using YOUR WiFi network.  Once they leave, messaging stops.

How creative can my message / ads be?
The sky’s the limit! Html, Java, flash, animated Gif… For most locations we use a standard size of 728 X 90 pixels. However, we are able to change the size, shape, opacity, screen position, Url redirect, refresh frequency and delivery potency to suit your needs.

How often can I upload new creative?
As often as you wish, or automatically.  We can tie our system into any other CMS (Content Management System) for seamless integration.

How does this change the Wi-Fi service I already offer?
In most cases, all we are doing is adding the ability to deliver messages to the users of your Wi-Fi. The high speed service to the building, and wireless coverage within the building, remain the same.

Do I have to sell advertising space?
Of course not. It’s entirely your choice. Some clients actually prefer NOT to so their own message is not diluted with ads from other merchants.

Is there a contract?
Yes. However, the terms are flexible.

What is the difference between Messaging and Advertising?
A subtle difference – but the difference makes all the difference… In this situation, messages contain information you deliver to an existing client informing them of other goods or services you offer that they might want. Advertisements are solicitations from other businesses to encourage your existing customers to patronize the advertiser’s business.

What web sites will my message be displayed on?
Almost all of them – which is the beauty of the service. No matter where the user (your customer) surfs online, your messages are displayed  - but not blocking – the intended destination. Any port :80 web traffic (basically anything that is not secure or encrypted – this excludes only banks, web based e-mail, credit card sites, etc). Also, if there is content on a site that is causing the page to load slowly – we bow out and do not serve your message. We feel your customers will prefer us taking the high road.

How often are messages / ads displayed?
Each Hotspot owner has the ability to change the rate in which the messages are delivered – as well as how often they change / rotate.

Can I prioritize my messages?
Yes. We can assign a “weight” to those which should have priority.  This allows control over which messages (or campaigns) are delivered based on time, viewership or in relation to other messages or campaigns.  All delivery variables are programmable.

Will messages be displayed when people check e-mail?
No. No e-mail clients are affected (Outlook, entourage, Eudora, etc). If you are using webmail (a web browser to check your e-mail), we have programmed the system to bypass those pages as well.