Nowadays, wherever people are, they expect to be able to get online. As a result, mobile internet has become the dominant means people use to access the web, with more people browsing on mobile devices than on desktops.

For businesses and providers of public utilities, that presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Mobile devices can access the internet using their 4G and 5G data connections. But mobile users are always aware of using up their data allowance if not unlimited, and welcome opportunities to get online for free. In addition, good quality WiFi provides an added value service to customers.

There are numerous reasons why providing public WiFi makes sense to leisure centre operators. One is the demographic of their customers, who are often young, ‘native’ users of mobile who will view free WiFi as a must when deciding where to go. Another is how mobile technology has taken off in health and fitness, with the arrival of wearable trackers, fitness apps and more. Many gym goers now view their mobile as an indispensable part of their workout.

The challenge to leisure centres is to get the WiFi right. Public WiFi is now often viewed with suspicion and frustration, as low bandwidth, poor configuration and non-existent security protocols make many systems unsuitable for modern browsing needs. WiFi provides an invaluable service many customers look for – but if you are going to offer it, it has to be done correctly.