HNS Introduces Wi-Fi Access Service For Consumer-oriented Businesses

Germantown, Md.-based Hughes Network Systems (HNS), a provider of satellite broadband services through its DirecWay brand, has introduced a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access service aimed at businesses such as restaurants, coffee shops, gas stations, convenience stores, hotels, auto dealerships, truck stops, RV parks, and marinas. Wi-Fi allows connection to the Internet by creating a wireless LAN (local area network) at a given location, or “Hot Spot.”

Demand for broadband Internet access is fueling the growth of Wi-Fi Hot Spots in the United States that are expected to surge from roughly 5,000 sites last year to more than 42,000 by year-end 2004. As many as 27 million customers are expected to use Wi-Fi service to generate more than $9 billion in annual revenue industry-wide, said HNS officials, who are looking to ride the wave of growth.

DirecWay’s Wi-Fi Access can turn any retail location into an Internet connection destination that will spur repeat customer visits, attract new patrons and extend peak hours, said James Gandolfi, a senior vice president and general manager at HNS. Any person with the appropriate Wi-Fi hardware can establish a connection to a wireless LAN.

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