Ever been to a conference where the internet is slow, randomly disconnects, and you have to find that one sweet spot in the room for decent service? You’re not alone – it’s a common struggle for attendees, especially at big events.
Making sure there’s good Wi-Fi is a big challenge for event planners. A recent report by EventMB, found that more than half of planners deal with ongoing Wi-Fi issues. Even though Wi-Fi might never be perfect at events due to its nature, some planners don’t prioritize it, and many aren’t sure what to do to make it better.
However, there are modern solutions to these modern problems.
How To Get Internet For An Event?
Having good WiFi at your event is important. When attendees can easily connect to the internet, it shows that the event is well-organized and considers the needs of the participants. With dependable WiFi, people are more likely to have a positive experience at your event and may choose to come back in the future.
Cellular bonding solutions empower event planners to combine multiple cellular connections, ensuring a robust and resilient network. This approach is particularly beneficial in dynamic event settings where the number of connected devices can fluctuate. The flexibility offered by cellular bonding enables a seamless and consistent internet experience for attendees, contributing to overall satisfaction. Here are some the ways to get internet for your event:
Venue’s Wi-Fi:
Check if the event venue already has a Wi-Fi network. If available, coordinate with the venue management to ensure the network can handle the expected number of users and devices. Note that some venues, like hotels, charge exorbitant high prices to provide dedicated event Wi-Fi.
External Event Wi-Fi Providers:
Some companies specialize in providing temporary event Wi-Fi services. These providers offer scalable solutions tailored to the size and requirements of your event, including on-site technical support. In certain settings, they may utilize an internet bonding device like Zifilinks.
Broadband Connection:
Set up a dedicated broadband connection for the event. This can be arranged through local broadband service providers, and the connection can be distributed as Wi-Fi for attendees using a router.
Fiber Optic Internet:
If high-speed and reliable connectivity is crucial, consider using fiber optic internet services. Fiber optic connections can support large numbers of simultaneous users. They are one of the most expensive options though.
Internet Bonding Device:
An Internet bonding device is like a router that combines multiple Internet connection bonding to give you faster and more reliable Internet. It takes different types of internet, like Wi-Fi and cellular data, and blends them together to improve your online experience.
Wi-Fi Mesh Networks:
Deploy a Wi-Fi mesh network to ensure consistent coverage, especially in large or outdoor venues. Mesh networks use multiple access points to create a seamless and extended Wi-Fi network.
Hybrid Solutions:
Combine multiple Wi-Fi solutions for redundancy and enhanced reliability. For example, you might use a combination of venue Wi-Fi, external event Wi-Fi services, and mobile hotspots to ensure uninterrupted connectivity.
Fiber optic connectivity is currently the gold standard in terms of speed and reliability, however, it is also the most expensive option. A more cost-effective solution would be to get an internet bonding device, that provides good speed & reliability by bonding different internet service providers together. If you are an event manager who regularly organizes events, an internet bonding device is probably the best solution for you.
*estimates for medium-sized events of 50-100 people.
How much does Event Wi-Fi cost?
It is not easy to give an exact estimate as the event Wi-Fi cost can vary significantly based on the size of the venue, the number of attendees, the required bandwidth, and the specific services and features you need.
Event Size and Attendee Count:
Larger events with a higher number of attendees may require more extensive Wi-Fi infrastructure to ensure sufficient coverage and bandwidth. The size of the event often correlates positively with the overall cost.
Bandwidth Requirements:
Events with high data demand, such as live streaming or large file downloads, may incur higher costs due to the need for increased bandwidth. The required bandwidth depends on the nature of the event and the intended use of the internet.
Security Measures:
Implementing robust security measures, especially for events where sensitive data is involved, can add to the overall cost. Security features such as encryption, firewalls, and monitoring may be part of a premium package.
Geographical Location:
The cost of internet services can also vary based on the geographical location of the event. Different regions may have different infrastructure costs and pricing structures for internet services.
Our Recommended Solution: Zifilinks!
For a reliable and budget-friendly internet solution at your event, we highly recommend Zifilinks! Zifilinks is an innovative device known as an internet bonding solution. It works by combining various internet connections to provide a faster and more dependable connectivity experience.
Zifilinks is an excellent choice for event organizers who want to ensure reliable connectivity without overspending. It is a one-time purchase that can be used at every event and is portable enough to be carried anywhere. If you’re looking for a practical and economical solution to provide robust Wi-Fi at your event, Zifilinks is the way to go. It’s a user-friendly and reliable choice that aligns perfectly with the needs of event planners.
About The Author: Deepak
More posts by Deepak