Hotspot

A hotspot is a location where wireless access to the Internet is available, usually via Wi-Fi. Hotspots are commonly offered in places frequented by tourists and other guests, such as hotels, restaurants, convention venues and shopping malls. Hotspots can be offered by the owner or operator of the location, or by a provider who wants to supplement mobile network coverage.

To use a hotspot, the user must own a device that can connect to the hotspot. This could be a smartphone, for example, or a tablet or laptop that has Wi-Fi.

Using a hotspot may require payment. This can be done with a credit card, for example, charging a fixed amount per minute or MB. Increasingly, hotspots are free. With free hotspots, access sometimes has to be obtained by leaving an e-mail address or liking a Facebook page. Offering free Internet is then considered added value for customers. The availability of wireless Internet can also change the public's consumption behavior. Consider tourists who can easily find nearby restaurants or other tips through a hotspot.