69% of UK companies believe that the availability of in-facility Wi-Fi is a key factor affecting their business growth.
Around 27% of companies claimed that the availability of in-venue Wi-Fi would increase customer visits, while 25% claimed that in-venue Wi-Fi is helping create new ways of doing business and gives rise to new customer purchase behaviours.
According to the BT Wi-Fi survey, 47% of the respondents claimed that the introduction of in-venue Wi-Fi has helped them develop more streamlined payment solutions.
glh Hotels chief technology officer Chris Hewertson said that the availability of free in-venue Wi-Fi has become the top priority for customers when choosing accommodation, and faster free Wi-Fi raises the competition level.
BT Wi-fi & Devices director Erik Raphael said: "Wi-fi has become the backbone for many British businesses since its inception nearly two decades ago.
"In-venue wi-fi is not only seen as essential by customers, but also by companies who also view it as central to the way they do business and how they interact with their customers.
"Innovations in wi-fi connectivity mean customers have even faster access to the internet, allowing them to interact with services and make purchases in new ways."
