Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the amenities a hotel provides make all the difference in whether guests remember their stay as an experience they’d want to repeat. One of the invisible amenities that can make or break their experience is digital connectivity. While people may not notice when it’s working seamlessly, they certainly notice when it isn’t!
Wi-Fi has long been a staple hotel service. It supports a range of activities like casual web browsing, messaging, and video calling. No hotelier would want to be without it. But premium hotels cannot rely solely on Wi-Fi to connect their guests, as many of them expect to be able to use their mobile devices indoors easily, securely, and without a fiddly registration process. They could be business travelers, for example, who want a secure network for their laptop to connect to rather than use the hotel Wi-Fi, with the security risks this brings. Or they could simply be someone who loves nothing more than a good conversation and wants to be able to move around without the call dropping, as it can with Wi-Fi calling.
Bringing Mobile Connectivity Indoors
In-building mobile systems bring the mobility, security, and capacity of public mobile networks indoors. Modern building materials, such as energy-efficient glass and thick walls, have the unintended consequence of making it harder for mobile signals to penetrate from outdoors to those who need it inside. Thankfully, there are options for bringing this signal indoors using technology called small cells.
Small cells are low-power wireless access points that enhance mobile coverage and capacity inside buildings. They connect securely to the mobile network operators’ (MNOs) networks, ensuring quality of service and providing robust mobile connectivity to areas that would otherwise miss out. Premium hotels will want to ensure they provide coverage for all the MNOs, as different guests will, of course, be using different networks. This can be done by engaging with what is called a “neutral host,” a provider able to work with the MNOs to provide connectivity from whichever networks are needed.
Depending on the outdoor network and hotel layout, a hotel may need an in-building mobile system that supports just one MNO, as the other networks are strong enough indoors thanks to the signal from outdoors. Or it may need a system that provides connectivity to all four networks; this can be determined during a mobile survey to assess a venue’s connectivity needs.
Avoiding Common Connectivity Pitfalls
Be wary of providers suggesting technology, such as repeaters, that merely amplify outdoor signals. This offers little control over signal quality and can be negatively impacted by changes in the outdoor environment. A reputable provider will provide a binding contract committing them to deliver connectivity from all necessary mobile operators.
In today’s digital age, reliable mobile connectivity is not only a necessity for meeting the high expectations of guests, but it also brings operational benefits for staff working in the hotel. Assured mobile connectivity means that all staff with mobile devices can stay connected wherever they are, not just those behind the front desk.
Streamlining Operations and Enhancing Safety with Mobile Connectivity
For hotel staff, better connectivity translates to more efficient operations. For example, staff can use mobiles to communicate instantly, ensuring quick responses and coordination among team members. Immediate alerts and updates about guest requests, maintenance issues, or schedule changes help staff stay informed and responsive. Managers can assign tasks directly to staff members’ mobile devices, ensuring everyone knows their duties and can prioritize accordingly. Real-time updates on task completion help managers monitor progress and reallocate resources as needed. When it comes to maintenance, issues can be reported and tracked in real time, leading to faster resolution. Housekeeping staff can update room status (e.g., cleaned, inspected) instantly, improving room turnaround times and availability information for front desk staff. And those are just a few examples!
Furthermore, mobile connectivity is vital for emergency response and safety within facilities. It ensures that communication remains unimpeded during critical incidents, allowing for quick alerts and efficient coordination with emergency services.
To stay competitive, hotels must take advantage of the complementary technologies of Wi-Fi and mobile connectivity to meet the evolving expectations of digitally connected guests. By doing this, hotels can provide exceptional guest experiences and ensure efficient operations. Reliable connectivity not only enhances guest satisfaction but also enables hoteliers to manage their properties and operations more effectively.
