Why choose WiFi Foundation?

Of course there are other providers that offer a similar service. There are some things we will have in common such as legal compliance. However, when you call them ask them these questions:

• Does the system give me the email addresses of the people that use it?
• Is it free from any kind of ongoing subscription cost?

Who is the service intended for?

Cafes, Bars, Restaurants, Pubs, Clubs, Community Centres, Student Unions, and anywhere else where accessing the Internet would be useful!

What do I need before I can use the HotSpot?

An active Internet Connection.
Before ordering your HotSpot, make sure that your computer can access the Internet via your Internet Connection.

An Internet router which offers DHCP.
If your computer is configured to “detect network settings automatically”, or “use DHCP”, and it connects to the Internet without issue, then your WiFi Foundation HotSpot will also work without issue.

Most Internet Service Providers will offer DHCP as standard. DHCP is a basic network protocol which allows any device connected to the Internet router to automatically configure itself with the correct Internet Settings.

If you have queries  regarding  your Internet Service you should contact your Internet Service Provider.

Does installation / operation require any special training?

No. If you can use the Internet and have connected to a wireless network in the past then this will be a doddle.

How do I install My Hotspot?

Please click here to download a copy of our Installation Guide.

How Many Hotspots can I have?

Two hotspots may be registered to each account. If you need more then you will need to create another account. However if you need more than 2 HotSpots, please contact us.

What is the range of my WiFi Hotspot?

The WiFi range varies from place to place and can depend on factors such as the thickness of walls and electro-magnetic interference from power lines of other wireless transmitters. It is therefore not possible to predict how far the signal may travel. Anything from 10 to 50 metres would be realistic in most environments.

We do sell signal boosters if you need them. Please get in touch.

Sometimes your SSID or Channel may be conflicting with another HotSpot. Login to your control panel and edit your HotSpot changing the SSID and Channel. This may help increase range and reliability.

How many customers can use the system at once?

There is a theoretical limit of 250. However, you will find that actual limit is to do with the speed of your Internet Connection. Too many users sharing one Internet Connection make the service really slow. If you need high speed high capacity WiFi Networks, speak with our sponsor HTL WiFi.

How do I send my newsletters to the customers' email addresses?

You can download the email addresses from the WiFi Foundation Control Panel. They will arrive in CSV format.

You can use these in any way you like. Copy them into your favourite Email program such as Outlook, or Thunderbird, or even Google Mail. They are ready for database import into many bulk mail sending systems including Send Blaster or Email Marketer or use them with online systems such as Brother Mailer or Constant Contact.

What happens if I want to stop the Free Wifi service during Peak Times?

Is the system Legal?

The system conforms to all relevant legislation including The Data Retention Regulations, The Data Protection Act, The Digital Economy Act, and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations.

For more information: /legal

Do you filter inappropriate content?

Yes, we use filtering systems.

What if I receive a request from the authorities to see who has been accessing my HotSpot?

Don't be alarmed, there is nothing to worry about. Contact us immediately. We will deal with the authorities directly.

Where is the Control Panel?

Find your control panel at : http://cpanel.wififoundation.org/

Where do I get support?

99.9 % of the issues encountered by HotSpot providers are tracked down to a fault with their Internet Service Provider. Before contacting us read this:

• No Light: HotSpot is not functioning.
• Flashing Amber: HotSpot is starting.
• White/Amber: HotSpot is unable to connect to the Internet.
• White: All systems go!

Internet Connection Problem

The most common issue new users experience is when the HotSpot has been unable to connect to the Internet, and the LED is flashing White/Amber.

This is usually because either the Internet Connection is not working or because the Internet Router has failed to provide a DHCP allocated IP address (What do I need before I can use the HotSpot?).

To test your Internet connection, use your own Laptop or PC to connect directly to the Internet Router and check the Internet connection is working. You should contact your Internet Service Provider for further assistance.

Channel / SSID Conflict

On rare occasions the HotSpot settings may conflict with another HotSpot or Wireless Access Point that is operating nearby.
Logon to your control panel ( http://cpanel.wififoundation.org/ ) and edit your HotSpot.
Using a different channel may improve the range or speed of your WiFi.

Firmware

Your WiFi HotSpot has been shipped with specially written firmware. If you erase this firmware, your WiFi HotSpot will not operate and you will not be able to return it under warranty.

Contact us:

Should you experience any other problems setting up the HotSpot then you can contact us using the form on the website.

What are your operating Terms and Conditions?

HotSpot Providers: Terms and Conditions
End Users: Terms and Conditions