Q4 is almost over, and it’s time to plan for the year ahead. With that said, hospitality connectivity is top of mind, as it influences both guest satisfaction and operational efficiency. Technology continues to advance, and the connectivity needs of hoteliers and their guests have transformed accordingly. It’s no surprise that 89% of guests expect hotels to offer high-speed Wi-Fi as a standard amenity, and 80% of hoteliers are additionally investing in 5G technology for faster and more reliable guest connectivity.
Changing Hospitality Connectivity Needs
The average hotel guest is more tech-savvy than in the past and wants seamless digital experiences that rival the technology they have at home. More people are using streaming services (99% of US households), social media (5.04 billion people), and cloud storage (doubled since 2014) every year. Higher bandwidth is no longer a luxury–it’s a necessity. Guests expect to stream videos on their own devices and cast to in-room TVs effortlessly, upload personal and work content quickly, and even maintain connections to their home networks during their stay to access their home networks. It’s imperative that hoteliers recognize this shift and adapt their networks to meet heightened demand.
Continuous Connectivity Challenges Hoteliers Face
Despite the recognition that connectivity is key, many hoteliers encounter significant challenges in delivering reliable networks. One of the most common complaints revolves around seamless roaming throughout the property. Guests desire a hassle-free experience, moving from their room to the lobby, pool, or other areas without losing connection.
Additionally, there is a need for a straightforward login process. Travelers often frequent multiple properties under the same brand and expect to connect to the Wi-Fi without repeated logins. A cumbersome process can lead to frustration, detracting from their overall experience.
Prioritizing Connectivity Enhancements
For hoteliers looking to enhance their network connectivity right now, there are a few essential upgrades to prioritize:
- Increase WAN Speeds: Higher WAN speeds are crucial to accommodate the growing demand for data-heavy applications and services. This upgrade will ensure that guests enjoy fast, reliable internet access throughout the property, including outside spaces and parking garages.
- Wireless Coverage Expansion: Connectivity shouldn’t stop at guest rooms. Hoteliers should aim to provide robust wireless access in outdoor spaces, parking garages, and other commonly used areas. This comprehensive coverage is essential for today’s mobile guests.
- Integrate 5G Technology: As 5G networks continue to roll out, integrating this technology can give hotels a competitive edge. It allows guests to connect to the hotel’s network from various locations, such as shuttle vans or nearby airports, enhancing the overall guest experience.
The Role of Emerging Technologies
The future of hotel connectivity is also being shaped by innovative technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). AI can play a crucial role in optimizing wireless infrastructure. By deploying AI solutions at the property level, hotels can monitor network performance proactively. This includes alerting IT teams to potential outages before they happen, ultimately preventing disruptions that could lead to dissatisfied guests.
Additionally, AI can help manage network traffic intelligently, ensuring that bandwidth is allocated efficiently based on real-time demands. This not only improves the guest experience but also enhances operational efficiency.
AI can also help with the shortage of hotel staff in the area of guest requests (e.g. concierge, help desk, etc.).
Connectivity is no longer a mere amenity; it’s a core component of the guest experience. As hoteliers face the challenge of meeting rising guest expectations, prioritizing high-speed internet, seamless roaming, and innovative technologies like AI and 5G will be critical.
Embracing these changes will ultimately pave the way for a more connected and enjoyable experience for every guest, and Nomadix is here to help. Get in touch with us to learn how we are here to support your hospitality connectivity needs and review our Hotel Network Planning Guide for further info on the latest recommendations and trend.
Richard Wagner is director, certification and compliance, at Nomadix, an ASSA ABLOY company, a provider of patented internet gateways, wired and wireless infrastructure networks, in-room TV casting, Passpoint, in-room voice assistants and cloud-based PBX phone service for hotels.