A guide, not a sales page
How community WiFi actually gets paid for.
Somebody has to carry the cost of a community hotspot, and there are only a few honest ways to do it: local sponsors, vouchers, a small charge, or a mix. This page walks through each one and the kind of place it suits. When you are ready to set one up, our Community Free WiFi Project is the programme that does it.
Models
Choose the access model that fits the community.
Some locations need free sponsored access. Others need vouchers, paid tiers or a hybrid model that protects the line from abuse.
Free sponsored hotspot
Local advertisers fund the WiFi in exchange for placement on the splash page.
Voucher WiFi
Issue time-limited or speed-limited vouchers through a shop, school, hall or front desk.
Captive portal control
Keep access fair with device limits, bandwidth limits, terms, consent and reporting.
Where it works
Useful in places where people already gather.
The best community WiFi host is a trusted local place with foot traffic and a reliable internet line.
Spaza shops
Churches and halls
Clinics and pharmacies
Schools and training centres
Community fields
Taxi ranks and waiting areas
FAQ
Community WiFi questions.
How does community WiFi work?
A local host shares controlled internet access through a Hotwireless captive portal. Users get fair, time-limited access and the host can fund the service through local sponsors.
Can community WiFi use vouchers?
Yes. A community hotspot can support free access, voucher access, paid access, sponsor-funded access or a mix of these models.
Who can host a community WiFi hotspot?
Spaza shops, churches, cafes, schools, clinics, pharmacies, halls and other places where people gather can host a community WiFi hotspot.
Ready to sort out your guest Wi-Fi?
Book a 20-minute walkthrough and we will map the right package to your venue. Packages start at R399 a month per location, ex VAT.
Or call us on 071 437 6694