Some of you may remember the days, not too long ago, when you handwrote a fax and asked the front desk at a hotel if they would kindly send the fax for you. Then came ‘dial up’. The endless messing around with different telephone terminal plugs and more often than not the so called ‘high-speed internet connection” in your room being anything but high-speed.

Zoom forward a few years, & now it’s a case of – if a hotel (or even café) doesn’t provide WiFi to get your business…then they just don’t get your business.

I’ve been astounded that in much of Europe, not only do many accommodation, eating and drinking establishments provide WIFI, in most cases it’s free! I’m so used to it in fact, I get a shock if I encounter a hotel that charges 14 Euros a day for what is now viewed as basic an inclusion as the bed, bathroom & TV.

Are they kidding?!

My advice to Hotels… tackle it from a marketing perspective – almost like a consumer “value add”. If there truly is a cost to your business, then “build it into” your room rate if you must.

My advice to consumers… (a little diddy to remember!) Be the change you want to see. Don’t stay in places that don’t provide it FREE!! Talk with your feet…& wallet people!

What I’ve found even more profound is the so-called third world economies that seem to offer free WiFi universally. Places like Cambodia…you are permanently connected. From hostels, café’s, bars, hotels, markets…even, we found recently, on a bus travelling through rice paddies!! Unbelievable!

The hardest thing to comprehend is why our home country Australia – a forward thinking, considerably progressive country, has not caught on that this small change can increase your business. Not only do most places charge, the rates are ludicrous – many $15/hour.

C’mon Australia get with it! And…how about halving the price of regular Internet connection while you are at it. We pay exceptionally more than anywhere else I’ve been travelling; from major cities in Europe to tiny towns in Asia.

Why do we as consumers put up with this?

:: D ::