BROADCASTING giant Sky is set to launch a new public wi-fi service for its pub and club customers this summer
Following its recent acquisition of public wi-fi provider The Cloud, Sky is giving licensees who subscribe to its Pubs & Clubs UK agreement the chance to offer free wi-fi in their outlets for a one-off set-up fee of £300.
Under the deal, which is expected to launch in the summer, Sky will install a new telephone line, high-speed broadband connection and provide a new router dedicated to the free wi-fi service to avoid interrupting existing telephone lines.
Sky said the emergence of smart phones and tablet devices, coupled with the growing use of pubs and bars as a place for workers, students and other customers to catch up with emails, access social media or browse the internet, prompted it to introduce the new wi-fi service.
Ian Holden, managing director of Sky Business, said the facility will help operators boost footfall and customer loyalty.
“I believe the launch of free public wi-fi to Sky’s commercial customers is the biggest and most exciting product launch since Sky 3D,” he said.
“It will be supported with Sky providing a free point-of-sale package that includes window stickers, posters, tent cards and bar signs to ensure pubs and clubs target the growing number of people that seek venues providing free public wi-fi.”
The new wi-fi service will help licensees enhance the experience provided by a visit to their pub, a spokeswoman added.
“By offering customers access to fast, reliable broadband it provides an extra incentive for people to visit pubs, and to stay for a longer period of time, thus also helping to increase trade,” she said.
