The connectivity challenge
One of the key challenges to address when implementing digital technology is connectivity gaps. Wi-Fi has been the go-to connectivity solution for years and is not going anywhere. It will continue to play an important role for a restaurant’s internal operations, such as inventory ordering and emailing. Also, kiosks and point-of-sale (POS) terminals generally run on Wi-Fi (and use cellular as backup). While Wi-Fi is needed for core operations, the solution is not optimal in supporting customer-facing digital services. Here, cellular connectivity has the edge.
First, cellular doesn’t require users to sign in to a network to connect. Second, it is more secure than public Wi-Fi – which lacks hardware encryption – potentially exposing customer data to risk.
Cellular can also complement Wi-Fi by providing backup during connectivity challenges, as Wi-Fi has a greater frequency of signal disruptions compared to cellular. If cellular coverage is lacking and Wi-Fi goes down, kiosks will remain offline, causing operational delays and slowing customer service. The same applies to POS systems.
Since three-quarters of U.S. adults who eat at fast-food restaurants expect to receive their food after ordering within five minutes or less, consistent and reliable connectivity is imperative. By boosting cellular coverage, restaurants can ensure POS systems and kiosks have the connectivity they need to stay online and provide a seamless dining experience.
Solution: cellular signal boosters
In the restaurant industry’s highly competitive nature, businesses that offer seamless connectivity have a competitive advantage over those that lag behind. As the need for fast, reliable, secure, and friction-free connectivity continues to rise, so does the need for cellular coverage solutions. Many restaurants are turning to cellular signal boosters to improve connectivity and enhance the customer experience within their establishments.
Traditionally, restaurant owners wishing to boost in-building cellular coverage had to rely on traditional ‘dumb’ wideband repeaters, devices that capture and amplify outdoor cellular signals. However, these devices extend all signals without discrimination, so quality can be an issue.
Modern, smart cellular signal boosters provide a much more suitable alternative that can be set up quickly. These devices boost cellular signals individually, improving the overall quality of the cellular connection. This true carrier channelized performance optimizes the quality of the signal for all available networks, making sure every guest, employee, and system has the coverage they need.
What’s more, smart signal boosters can be monitored remotely via system integrators. From the restaurant’s perspective, that means they can get on with their core business, safe in the knowledge their signal booster is running optimally and can be managed remotely if needed.
Building a foundation for digital success
Quick to implement and simple to operate, smart signal boosters are a vital tool for restaurants in the modern age. Their use will help restaurants shift to digital approaches that boost the customer experience while reducing operational expenses. As such, they are essential for a restaurant’s digital transformation efforts, and organizations that build the right connectivity foundation for a digital-first future will thrive.
