If you are already thinking about adding fast Internet to your hotel, you re heading in tile right direction and you can capitalize on the advantage of having this valuable service before your competitors. 

So, you know your hotel needs Internet. Now What? 

There are many Internet companies out here claiming to be able to deliver high-speed Internet to your hotel, and deciding which company to go with is a big decision. At Wayport we want your hotel to successfully deploy Internet service and we want you to have all the factors to consider when selecting an Internet partner. 

Will you need to re-wire your hotel? 

Now regardless of your wiring system Wayport delivers the best performance for Cat 5, Cat 3 and even unrated wires. Until recently, a big barrier for some hotels with older wiring systems was the need to re-wire the hotel. Not only was this expensive, but it also displaced guestroom revenue and was an inconvenience for guests and staff. 

If your hotel has Cat 5 wires or better, be sure that your Internet partner will deliver a solution that takes advantage of the new wiring system. 

Who will manage the process of deploying Internet in your hotel? 

Wayport will manage the complete process of provisioning Internet, purchasing and installing equipment, and providing marketing support to help you increase usage. Insist that each Internet provider you consider gives you the details of what their company is willing to manage. Many companies offer only a partial solution and expect hoteliers to navigate the rest on their own. 

What technology does your Internet solution use, and is it "Plug & Play?" 

Wayport's solution uses Ethernet technology, which is what the majority of travelers use in their offices. Connecting to Wayport Internet is simple and "Plug & Play." You'll want to know what the set up process is for the traveler with other potential Internet partners. 

Will the installation process put rooms out of order?  

No. When Wayport installs Internet in each guest room and meeting room it takes less than 15 minutes per room. We work with the Room Service Director to coordinate our installation so room revenue is not lost during this process. 

Who owns and is responsible for upgrading equipment? 

This is an important question, because some vendors require that the hotel purchase the equipment. It's not wise for a hotel to invest in equipment today that might be obsolete within the next few years. That's why Wayport owns and is responsible for upgrading all equipment 

Who will monitor the network? 

Wayport monitors the network 24 hours a day, 7 days a week using an Internet based system that alerts our technical staff instantly. You don't want to hire a special person to monitor the network on-site, and you should expect your Internet partner to manage all quality of service issues. 

Will hotel staff be responsible for technical support? 

Not with Wayport. We offer 24x7 technical support for guests toll-free at 1-877-WAYPORT so hotel staff are not responsible for knowing technical information. Guests with questions just call Wayport directly. 

Do you provide a hotel back-office solution? Is there an additional cost to install Internet in administrative offices? 

Wayport has a Hotel Virtual Private Network (VPN) solution that management and brand companies can use to link hotels to headquarters, central reservations and other locations. This saves the hotel expensive frame-relay network charges. Wayport also provides connectivity for hotel administrative offices at no additional installation cost. Wiring your back-office can increase productivity by providing your staff with e-mail and other applications that are available via the Web. 

What about training? 

At Wayport you'll be assigned a Customer Partnership Manager who will come to your hotel to create awareness among sales and marketing managers, front desk clerks, and bell captains. We want to ensure that your staff is ready to sell guests the hotel's newest amenity. Wayport provides this training at no additional charge. You should find out what training other Internet partners provide and if they provide just materials or a professional trainer to conduct training sessions on-site, and what additional charges may be incurred. 

What should I charge guests for high-speed Internet? 

With Wayport, each hotel determines the best price for high-speed Internet in guest rooms and meeting rooms. Typically hotels charge $9.95 per day for unlimited connections to the Internet until checkout time each day. For meeting rooms usage, hotels usually charge a fee of $100-$150 per computer per day for connections. You should find out how much per computer per day your Internet provider expects to receive. 

How will I market the hotel's new Internet service to guests? Meeting planners? 

At no additional cost to you, Wayport creates in-room guides to place in each guest room. We also provide key card inserts that alert guests upon check-in that the hotel offers fast Internet.  Wayport will create a customized web page that travelers will see when they connect to the Internet in your hotel. It will also feature added benefits to the traveler such as local weather, restaurants and nightlife. Also, Wayport provides a selling sheet that hotels can add to their proposals for meetings.