Wi-Fi for Business and “Wi” to go Local - SupraNet Communications, Inc.

In today’s uber-connected world, a stable and efficient Wi-Fi network is as essential to a business as your Internet connection. (And if you are surprised to learn that these two services are exclusive, this article is definitely for you!)

The benefits of a solid, bespoke Wi-Fi network, built for your business goals, are huge! And THIS is where the value of a local, experienced team managing your Wi-Fi becomes exciting.

If you haven’t considered having a team build and maintain your Wi-Fi network, read on. If you have considered it, read on. And if you have any more questions, contact us!

Can my business benefit from a local managed Wi-Fi provider? Absolutely!

All different businesses can benefit from a local managed Wi-Fi service provider. Scroll on down to see if we have your industry listed. If not, feel free to contact us to learn more about how Managed Wi-Fi can help in your business!

Healthcare, Education, and Public Services

Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals, clinics, and private practices require robust Wi-Fi for everything from accessing patient records to ensuring that life-saving equipment functions correctly. Also, waiting patients need something to do while they sit in the exam rooms (what happened to the magazines?), and patients in the hospital and their loved ones want to stay connected to more loved ones.
Educational Institutions: This is a no-brainer. Schools, universities, and training centers need reliable Wi-Fi to support digital learning tools, online resources, and campus security systems – and of course let’s not forget the social lives of students. A good Wi-Fi network provides the necessary bandwidth and coverage so that while instructors stream educational content in the lecture hall, students can find the next party.
Public Sector and Libraries: The people need access! Government buildings and public libraries offer free Wi-Fi to visitors to find jobs, apply for schools and other lifebuilding needs. We need reliable networks to support these services and digital resources. (Supranet is committed to helping serve the public – check out our community service page and how we built fiber Internet into our Madison public libraries!)
Transportation: What else are you going to do while you’re waiting for your flight or train or bus? You’re on the web, planning your trip, watching a movie, or working. Airports, train stations, and bus terminals provide Wi-Fi to travelers, requiring extensive coverage and high capacity to accommodate the large number of users. (We know all about it. Check out our articles on the MSN airport Wi-Fi we manage).

Retail and Hospitality

Hospitality Industry: Overnight guests want to check emails, post photos of your awesome accommodations on Instagram, and search for the best places to eat. Managed Wi-Fi ensures your guests have constant, high-quality access without putting strain on your business’s connection.
Retail: Get personal in-store! We know you might be having a tough time competing with Amazon and Etsy, but why not get your customers to hop on your free Wi-Fi and send them a message while they’re checking out those competitors’ prices online! You can also get other data that can help you bring them back into your store.
Cafés and Restaurants: Tired of reprinting menus and unreliable staff who can’t remember to bring a cola to table 5? Use technology to let your stars shine and let others find a new path.. Have your guests hop on your Wi-Fi and scan a QR code to the digital menu you can change as often as you like! Have them order online and pay online – now all you need is someone to remember to take that fizzy drink to the table. There’s probably an app for that. For all this efficiency and cost cuts, just be sure you have a supra-reliable Internet connection and Wi-Fi network.

Events and Entertainment

Event Venues and Conference Centers: People need to post (but only for a few hours of the day) and you need their free advertising! With large numbers of people wanting to share pictures of their favorite band on stage, or their name badge and their new networking connections, managed Wi-Fi can adapt to these fluctuating needs with scalable, robust solutions.
Sports Arenas and Entertainment Complexes: Fans are all amped up already. Don’t give them an extra excuse to revolt! You need high-capacity Wi-Fi to support all kinds of experiences including mobile ticketing, ordering concessions from seats, and accessing exclusive content. Let them save screams for the visiting team, not your staff!

Real Estate

Apartments and Condos: Bulk high-speed Internet and communal area Wi-Fi are more important than ever in apartments as more and more CEO’s are realizing that workers want to stay in their pajama pants all day for at least one day a week. Managed Wi-Fi can ensure the coverage and continuous service needed so that these residents can do their work, get paid, and pay you the rent!

Offices, Warehouses, and Manufacturing Facilities

Offices/Co-working Spaces: What happens when the 12 businesses operating in your co-working space, or office building all lose connection to the Internet. They all get frustrated and potentially lose money. Then they all move out of your office or coworking space. Don’t let that happen to you! Get a local expert to manage your network so you can get your paying tenants back up and running.
Manufacturing and Warehouses: With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart machinery, reliable Wi-Fi is essential for inventory management, machine operation, and efficiency tracking in these environments. If you’re not connected, you’re not running, if you’re not running, the boss is mad. If it’s the Wi-Fi, you can point the finger at your service provider!

Are local Wi-Fi companies near me better? Yes!

**Let’s play a game of “would you rather” to demonstrate how local is better.**

Would you rather have local experts, who have been helping people do more on the Internet in Madison since the mid-1990s or someone who started at a national company a few months ago who works for a paycheck, hold the success of your business in their hands?

A local service provider brings an invaluable local perspective to Managed Wi-Fi Services, possessing a deep understanding of the specific infrastructure challenges and opportunities within Madison. This insight enables them to design solutions that are not only theoretically sound but also practically applicable. Being part of the same community, a local company, like SupraNet, is deeply invested in the success of local businesses, understanding that their prosperity directly contributes to the well-being of the broader Madison economy.

Would you rather have a small, boutique shop of experts around the corner, ready to jump in the van if something goes haywire because you are a priority or a huge, national company with thousands of customers, monitoring your network?

Imagine having your most trusted neighbor who not only watches over your Wi-Fi network but also anticipates issues before they disrupt your business. That’s the level of SupraNet’s experienced Wi-Fi management team offers. They can monitor your network in real-time, perform regular maintenance, and update security protocols to fend off potential threats. This proactive approach is crucial in a digital landscape where threats evolve daily, and downtime can significantly impact your business.

Would you rather have your call answered by an Interactive Voice Recording where you have to listen and bark one-word answers for 5 minutes, yelling “operator” and slamming zero on your smartphone to finally talk to a person, or would you rather talk to someone right away?

When Wi-Fi issues emerge, every minute without a solution can mean lost revenue, decreased productivity, and frustrated customers and staff (see above). National or international providers, despite their size, are distant—both figuratively and literally. A local Wi-Fi management team, on the other hand, is just around the corner. This proximity means issues can be addressed swiftly, often with personal calls and visits, ensuring minimal downtime. The value of face-to-face interactions cannot be overstated; it builds trust and a deeper understanding of your specific needs and challenges.

Making the Human Connection

In an era where digital connectivity is critical in business operations, the choice of your Wi-Fi management team is a big deal. A local, experienced provider, like SupraNet, offers numerous benefits that can’t be matched by big corporations, from personalized support and tailored solutions to proactive maintenance and a partnership ethos. This level of service ensures your Wi-Fi network—a foundational aspect of your business—is handled with the care, expertise, and urgency it deserves.

While the technical aspects of Wi-Fi management are undoubtedly important, the human element—proactive, knowledgeable, and local customer service—can make all the difference. In choosing a local Wi-Fi management team, you’re not just investing in reliable internet connectivity; you’re investing in the success and resilience of your business.

Your IT Managed Service Provider should actually be your IT Managed Service Partner

Ok, now that you’re convinced local is better, here are some “signals” (pun intended) that indicate the need for a Managed Service Provider.

If your business experiences regular connectivity issues that have you swearing at Technical Boy (for you Neil Gaimon fans) that’s a clear sign that your current Wi-Fi setup may be inadequate.
If cyberthreats keep you up at night because you store critical customer or employee data, an MSP specializing in managed Wi-Fi services can provide the advanced security measures you need to keep your customers, staff, and brand reputation safe.
If you’re growing and optimizing processes with new devices that rely on the Internet, it might be time to get a pro in to manage your network. An MSP can scale your Wi-Fi network to match your expanding requirements, ensuring that your connectivity infrastructure supports your growth.

Let’s summarize- You may want to consider an MSP if you experience or have:

frequent network downtime
security concerns
A growing business with devices relying on your network
no fun managing your network

At the end of the day, if managing your Wi-Fi makes you grumpy, uneasy, or keeps you from doing what you’re good at, it’s probably time to consider the specialized expertise and support that an MSP offers.

How to evaluate Managed Service Provider Companies

Now that you’re thinking about reaching out to a local MSP (like SupraNet), we’ve proactively created a list of things you may want to know when you start shopping around. After all, what are neighbors for? This way, you’ll feel informed and confident in your ability to pick the right MSP for you.

Don’t be intimidated. The list is a bit long. If you don’t get through it, no worries. At SupraNet, we are happy to talk through your challenges to provide the best options for you! So, get started here and contact us if you need any help!

1. Identify Your Wi-Fi Needs

What is the size of the area you need coverage for? (e.g., square footage, multiple locations).
On average, how many users do you have on the Wi-Fi at one time?
On average, how many devices do you have hooked up to your Wi-Fi at one time?
What applications and services run over the Wi-Fi (e.g., VoIP, streaming, point of sale systems).
Do you have any industry-specific compliance requirements (e.g., HIPPA or Soc2Type2)

2. Research Potential Providers

Look for providers with experience in your industry or similar-sized businesses and ask for referrals.
Check reviews, testimonials, and case studies from existing customers.
Evaluate the breadth of their service offerings (e.g., do they offer both hardware and ongoing management?).

3. Evaluate Technical Capabilities

Ensure the provider supports the latest Wi-Fi standards (e.g., Wi-Fi 7).
Ask about the types of hardware used and if it is included in the service.
Inquire about the provider’s capabilities for scalability and flexibility as your business grows.
Verify their ability to provide coverage to all necessary areas of your business.

4. Assess Security Measures

Ask about the security protocols and measures in place (e.g., WPA3, firewalls, intrusion detection).
Determine how guest access is managed and secured.
Inquire about the frequency of security updates and the process for implementing them.

5. Understand Support and Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

Clarify the support hours and response times for issues.
Understand the terms of the SLA, including uptime guarantees and compensation for outages.
Ask about the process for making changes to your network configuration and adding new services.

6. Discuss Monitoring and Reporting

Find out if they offer real-time network monitoring and alerts.
Ask about access to analytics and reporting tools for network usage and performance.
Inquire about the transparency of network management activities and records.

7. Review Compliance and Privacy Policies

Ensure their service complies with relevant regulations in your industry.
Review their data privacy policies and how customer data is protected and used.

8. Consider Pricing and Contracts

Get detailed pricing information, including setup fees, monthly rates, and any additional costs.
Understand the contract length, renewal terms, and conditions for termination.
Compare the cost against the value and ROI for your business.

9. Schedule a Consultation or Demo

Request a consultation or demo to see their solution in action.
Prepare a list of questions and scenarios to discuss during the demo.
Use this opportunity to gauge the provider’s expertise and customer service approach.

10. Get Everything in Writing

Ensure all promises, SLAs, and pricing are clearly documented in the contract.
Review the contract with a legal professional before signing.

The Obligatory Conclusion

Just about any business can benefit from a managed Wi-Fi provider. From schools to breweries, our business operations rely on strong, consistent connections to the Internet. A boutique, local provider offers more customized opportunities for your business that are grounded in local knowledge and more personalized connections (pun intended, again.)

If you’ve made it through this long article, you deserve a break. A break from managing your Wi-Fi. Call us, we’ll come over, assess your network, make suggestions and take you out for a beer if you want.