Wifirst will be exhibiting at IHS24 next month on Stand 1100. We caught up with them and find out more about their company, what services they provide, how they feel they can help independent hotels and what they will be showcasing at IHS24.

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What does Wifirst do?

Wifirst is a leading provider of managed WiFi solutions. We serve as both an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and a Managed Service Provider (MSP), offering a multi-service, all-inclusive, and fully managed WiFi and fibre infrastructure. Our services cater to various sectors, including hospitality, student housing, senior living, and corporate environments. 

At Wifirst, our goal is to meet all your digital needs with a fast, reliable, and secure network infrastructure. We unify various technologies to boost performance, reduce hotel operational costs, and enhance user experience, all while minimising our carbon footprint and incorporating environmental considerations into our practices. As pioneers of "WiFi as a Service," we manage the entire process from network design and installation to ongoing maintenance and support, allowing you to focus on your core business activities. 

Thanks to the network infrastructure installed in your property, Wifirst also supports you in your connected services projects to optimise your IT budget and accelerate your digital transformation. From guest and business WiFi to fibre leased lines, IPTV, Chromecast, digital signage, and more, we provide everything under one roof.

Founded in Paris in 2002, Wifirst expanded to the UK in 2016. Based in King's Cross, London, our UK entity features strong local teams in sales, support, marketing, and engineering, dedicated to providing exceptional service to some of the market's most prestigious brands. Wifirst also has offices in Italy, Germany, and Spain, and operates in over 30 countries with more than 450 employees worldwide.

Who are some of your existing clients?

Wifirst has a diverse portfolio of clients across multiple industries. In the UK hospitality sector, we proudly serve prestigious brands and groups like Accor, The Ascott Group, Louvre Hotels Group, Aimbridge Hospitality, RBH, Wyndham, easyHotel, Champneys Health Resorts. We are also thrilled to have recently added the Taj Hotel London to our esteemed client list, further solidifying our commitment to delivering superior WiFi solutions. 

In addition to larger groups or collections of hotels, we also cater well to many independent properties such as The Other House South Kensington, The Elvetham in Hampshire, The View Hotel in Eastbourne and Woughton House Hotel in Milton Keynes to name but a few.

What will you be showcasing at the Independent Hotel Show this year?

At the Independent Hotel Show this year, Wifirst will focus on our WiFi-as-a-Service model and showcase our comprehensive WiFi and Fibre solutions, tailored for the hospitality industry. Our multi-service, all-inclusive, and fully managed infrastructure offers significant advantages such as security management, continuous upgrades, quality assurance, and 24/7 support, all while reducing costs.

We will also highlight our connected services like IPTV, private WiFi, integrated Chromecast and IoT, digital signage solution, and IoT management platform, all designed to elevate guest experiences and optimise hotel operations. Our latest offering, integrated Chromecast, is praised for its practicality, ease of installation, and minimal risk of disconnection or theft. Additionally, we will highlight our commitment to sustainability through energy-efficient solutions that reduce our environmental footprint. Our latest Carbon Footprint report reveals a decrease in carbon intensity from 8.8 g CO2/GB to 7.9 g CO2/GB in 2023, underscoring our dedication to sustainability.

Why do you want to connect with independent hotels?

We are keen to connect with independent hotels because we understand the unique challenges and opportunities they face. Independent hoteliers often have distinct brand identities and guest experiences they wish to maintain, and we believe our tailored WiFi solutions can significantly enhance their offerings. We recognise the importance of client outreach, and our WiFi service provides our clients with the ability to capture valuable visitor data, such as names and email addresses, enhancing their marketing outreach abilities. By partnering with us, independent hotels can provide a superior online experience for their guests, which is increasingly becoming a key differentiator in the competitive hospitality market. Additionally, from a financial angle, we are equipped to align with their business needs and provide flexible financial solutions, whether through a traditional model with Capital Investment, an alternative with no upfront cost, or a hybrid approach to complement their financial strategies.

Our goal at Wifirst is to support independent hotels in standing out by delivering WiFi services that are seamless, reliable, and customised to their unique needs.

How have customer expectations evolved in recent years when it comes to WiFi?

Customer expectations for WiFi have evolved significantly in recent years. Today’s guests expect fast, reliable, and ubiquitous internet access as a standard amenity, not a luxury. This shift has been driven by the proliferation of connected devices, streaming services, and the need for constant connectivity, whether for work or leisure. Guests now demand WiFi that can handle high-bandwidth activities, such as video conferencing and streaming in high definition, without interruptions. Furthermore, they expect a seamless experience across all areas of a hotel, from their rooms to common areas like lobbies, restaurants, and conference facilities. Complete WiFi coverage is also crucial for staff, ensuring they can perform their daily duties without connectivity challenges. To meet these expectations, hotels must invest in robust, high-performance WiFi networks that can accommodate the growing demand and enhance overall guest satisfaction.

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Visit Wifirst at Independent Hotel Show London on 15-16 October, secure your ticket here.