
or not to hotspot
When I am out and about and need a hotspot, I have learned to count on McDonad’s, Starbucks, Zions Bank (my client and bank) and other places to provide one free of charge.
Free hotspots are so common that by now I take them for granted. These days I tend to notice when they are not available. And, I resent places that want to charge me for use. The other day I was in a restaurant that wanted ten bucks for the privilege of logging on for an hour. I was peeved. (They would have been better off not providing the service at all.) I made a mental note not to take clients there if there’s the slightest possibility that in the course of business I’ll need to log on.
Offering a hotspot may be a competitive advantage for a little while longer. But I bet we are fast getting to the point where not offering one will become a competitive disadvantage.
—Steve Cuno