Got my free Wi-Fi -- but now I want location

Coming soon to your browser: Wi-Fi-based advertising. Here is a screen shot of a browser from MetroFi's free metro service — now delivering ad space and ad revenue.



From the company’s advertisers web page:

MetroFi covers more than 100,000 residents in the highly attractive Silicon Valley, California market. We have launched Sunnyvale, CA as the first Free – Advertiser supported Wi-Fi network in the Country.

MetroFi dropped its $19.99 per month access charge and cut over to free in early December 2005. The company apparently discovered that it could actually make money selling advertising space. Most people expect Google, Yahoo, AOL, and Microsoft to adopt the same model.

What’s next? Location-based advertising. I would expect that Cold Stone Creamery would pay more for an ad that would show up on browsers known to be somewhere on El Camino Real or on streets within a 1 mile radius.

MetroFi’s network is based on SkyPilot equipment and lists Ekahau as one of its technology partners. Ekahau has long been known for its Wi-Fi based location technology, among other things. Expect that partnership to expand.

What about the mapping guys I wrote about recently (Skyhook Wireless, Wi-Fi mapping guys actually making deals and Navizon's do-it-yourself mapping)? If they’re not already, they should be knocking on the doors at MetroFi and other Muni Wi-Fi networks. Creating demand at the service providers should draw the equipment vendors (Motorola, Tropos, BelAir, SkyPilot, and Firetide) who are vying to supply the market.

Keywords: Advertising, WiFi, Mapping, Location, Convergence, Cellphone
Posted to: Main Page

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