Wi-Fi as a Service: What It Is and Why Businesses Need It
Key Takeaways
- Wi-Fi as a Service reduces IT workload and upfront costs by offering a subscription-based model that includes hardware, support, and maintenance.
- Easily scale your Wi-Fi network across multiple locations without the hassle of new equipment or complex configurations.
- Enterprise-grade security and built-in compliance features help protect sensitive data and meet regulatory requirements.
- Manage your network remotely through a secure cloud dashboard with 24/7 monitoring and expert support.
- Guest Wi-Fi access and built-in analytics improve customer experience and provide valuable business insights.
- Automatic updates and modern infrastructure ensure your network stays secure, fast, and ready for the future.
What Is Wi-Fi as a Service (WaaS)?
If you’re providing your customers and employees with Wi-Fi, you know how much time, energy and dollars go into maintaining your business’s connectivity, from procuring up-to-date equipment to staying on top of firmware updates and configuring complicated network settings. That’s why many business owners are leaving these tasks to the professionals and subscribing to Wi-Fi as a Service (WaaS) solutions.
For businesses that benefit from an easier, more secure Wi-Fi solution, WaaS is designed for today’s connected world. It comes with all the equipment you need, plus expert installation, configuration and ongoing technical support.
And whether you're operating out of a single office or managing multiple sites, WaaS solutions are designed to scale with your growing business. WaaS can provide up-to-date security, technology and regulatory know-how so that business owners can focus on business.
How Does Wi-Fi as a Service Work?
If you don’t have the funds for an IT department, WaaS is an excellent way to get the expert technical support you need to keep your business online.
WaaS works a little differently than the traditional Wi-Fi setup by moving network costs to the “overhead” column on your budget sheets.
What does that mean? Rather than buying and managing your own networking equipment, you’ll instead pay a monthly subscription fee for a managed Wi-Fi solution through the service provider of your choice. Its pay-as-you-go model helps reduce hefty upfront hardware and installation costs and keeps your rapidly evolving networking technology up to date.
One of the biggest perks of WaaS is cloud-based management. Instead of having to be on-site to troubleshoot or make changes, you can remotely check on your network through a centralized, secure online dashboard. This gives your team around-the-clock control and insight into your network that can be accessed from anywhere, whether you’re at the main office, a satellite location or working from home.
Even better, your network’s maintenance and critical updates are handled by a team of experts. That includes everything from routine firmware upgrades to real-time security patches and performance tweaks.
You don’t have to worry about keeping your Wi-Fi up to date—your provider is responsible for keeping your network secure, updated and running smoothly, which can free up more of your time and money for other business matters.
Key Benefits of Wi-Fi as a Service
Switching to WaaS can make a significant difference in how you manage daily operations and long-term growth. Here are some of the most valuable benefits businesses can expect when partnering with a WaaS provider:
- Reduced IT-related costs and workload: With WaaS, you don’t need a full team to engineer and manage your wireless network. Your service provider handles set up, monitoring and maintenance, which could free up your IT staff and lower internal costs.
- Easy scalability that grows with your business: Whether you’re opening a new location or expanding your current space, WaaS makes it simple to grow your network. You can add more access points or locations without the headache of buying new equipment or configuring everything yourself.
- Stronger security and data protection: Business networks are a prime target for cyber threats, but WaaS providers build in multiple layers of protection. That includes enterprise-grade firewalls, data encryption and even AI-powered tools that can detect and respond to suspicious activity in real time.
- Minimized downtime with proactive monitoring: WaaS providers monitor your network for issues in real time and apply updates or fixes automatically to help prevent disruptions before they impact your business.
- Predictable monthly pricing with no surprise fees: Instead of large up-front investments, WaaS typically lets you budget for a flat monthly subscription that covers hardware, maintenance and support.
- Safe and simple guest Wi-Fi access: WaaS providers can set up a separate network for your customers, clients or visitors without compromising your internal networking systems or slowing down your operations.
- Built-in analytics for smarter network and customer insights: Most WaaS solutions offer access to usage reports, device activity and peak traffic patterns. This can help you identify when customers are most active, how long they stay connected and which areas of your space see the most engagement—all of which can support better staffing, layout and marketing decisions.
- Support for industry compliance standards: If your business handles sensitive information, WaaS can help you meet HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR and other regulatory requirements with built-in security features.
- Future-ready infrastructure and automatic upgrades: Your provider ensures your network stays up to date with the latest equipment and software—so you’re not stuck managing outdated tech.
By removing complexity and improving performance, WaaS helps you stay focused on growing and improving your business.
Who Can Benefit from Wi-Fi as a Service?
WaaS isn’t just for large corporations or tech startups—it’s a smart solution for organizations of all sizes that depend on fast, secure internet.
Here are some of the industries and types of businesses that can benefit from WaaS:
- Service Industry
Businesses in the service sector can enhance customer experiences and marketing efforts through WaaS.
- Cafés, Coffee Shops, and Quick-Service Restaurants: Studies show that more than 70% of customers prefer dining at restaurants that offer free Wi-Fi.
Furthermore, your WaaS provider can help you create branded login portals to promote specials or loyalty programs and collect customer data—such as email addresses, phone numbers or social media profiles—for targeted marketing.
Many restaurants also design marketing materials that list their Wi-Fi information and encourage customers to check in on social media and leave reviews to boost their online presence.
- Salons, Spas, and Waiting Rooms: Whether clients are waiting for their appointment or relaxing mid-service, having fast, secure Wi-Fi adds comfort and convenience. WaaS lets you offer guest access without exposing your business systems, and you can even use the login screen to promote gift cards, reviews or seasonal specials.
- Medical and Healthcare Facilities
Reliable Wi-Fi is critical in healthcare settings, supporting both patient care and operational efficiency.
- Hospitals, Clinics, Dental and Specialty Practices: According to a study by HealthTech Magazine, adopting Wi-Fi 6E can lead to lower latency and improved performance in healthcare environments.
Wi-Fi enables real-time access to electronic health records, telemedicine services and communication between medical staff, plus seamless connectivity for digital imaging, appointment scheduling and patient education tools. - Asset Tracking for Medical Equipment: Facilities like Carolinas HealthCare System have implemented Wi-Fi-based real-time location systems (RTLS) to track medical equipment, reducing search times from hours to less than ten minutes.
- Manufacturing and Warehousing
A 2023 study by Deloitte found that 86% of manufacturers believe that smart factory initiatives, including reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, will be the main driver of competitiveness in the next five years. In industrial settings, WaaS supports automation, inventory management, and communication.
- Warehouses: Wi-Fi-enabled devices like scanners and RFID readers allow for instant tracking of goods, reducing manual errors. A reliable Wi-Fi network improves productivity by enabling seamless communication and efficient decision-making.
- Manufacturing Plants: Professional Wi-Fi networks provide instantaneous data transmission between various components of the information system, meeting new requirements of customers and partners.
- Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs)
WaaS offers SMBs enterprise-grade Wi-Fi without the need for significant upfront investment or dedicated IT staff.
- Retail Stores: In-store Wi-Fi can help enhance point-of-sale systems and inventory management. Shoppers also like to use in-store Wi-Fi—one study found that while shopping in-person at a store, 72% of adults use their smartphone to compare prices before making a purchase.
- Professional Services (e.g., Law Firms, Consultancies): WaaS provides the critical connectivity you need for secure, reliable client communications and data management.
Implementing WaaS can lead to cost savings and improved operational efficiency, enabling SMBs to focus on growth and customer satisfaction.
- Enterprises with Multiple Locations
For businesses operating across various sites, WaaS provides centralized management and consistent performance, giving you control over all your networks, no matter where they are.
- Chains and Franchises: Centralized Wi-Fi management ensures consistent customer experiences and simplifies network monitoring across all locations.
- Corporate Offices: WaaS simplifies configuration and monitoring across multiple sites, leading to more consistent performance, easier troubleshooting and less time spent managing each site individually.
- Educational Institutions, Hotels, Transportation Stations and Public Venues
Schools, hotels, airports and large event spaces require scalable, high-performance Wi-Fi to accommodate numerous users.
- Educational Institutions and Libraries: WaaS supports digital learning tools and online resources, enhancing the educational experience for students and staff. As of March 2024, 74% of U.S. school districts meet the FCC’s internet connectivity goal of 1 Gbps per 1,000 students and staff, highlighting the growing emphasis on robust Wi-Fi infrastructure in education.
- Hotels: Hotels can automate guest login with personalized access codes, branded splash pages or time-limited access, helping streamline check-ins and reduce front desk workload.
- Airports, Train Stations and Bus Stops: Secure Wi-Fi supports travelers as they access boarding passes, rebook flights, attend virtual meetings or catch up on work during layovers, all while segmenting guest access from secure internal operations.
- Concert Halls, Event Venues, Conference Centers and Stadiums: Your WaaS provider can ensure that your Wi-Fi can handle heavy traffic during events, providing consistent coverage for thousands of devices while keeping private networks safe.
- Smart Cities and Municipal Projects
WaaS plays a vital role in developing smart city infrastructure, enhancing public services and connectivity.
- Public Wi-Fi Networks: WaaS provides residents and visitors with internet access in parks, transit stations and other public areas.
- Smart Traffic Systems: A professional, cloud-based Wi-Fi network supports real-time traffic monitoring and management, improving urban mobility. For example, the 33 Smart Mobility Corridor in Ohio is a 35-mile stretch equipped with uninterrupted Wi-Fi and smart infrastructure to enhance safety and reduce congestion.
WaaS is always built to meet your needs because WaaS scales to meet the needs of virtually any business. No matter your industry, Wi-Fi as a Service offers a flexible, scalable way to deliver secure, high-performance connectivity—without the stress of managing it all yourself. And as more businesses and organizations adopt cloud-managed networking, the question isn’t whether to make the switch—it’s when.
Wi-Fi as a Service vs. Traditional Wi-Fi: What’s the Difference?
All Wi-Fi might appear similar at first glance, but the way it’s delivered and managed makes a big difference. Here’s how WaaS stacks up against traditional Wi-Fi setups:
- Upfront vs. recurring costs: Traditional Wi-Fi often requires a large upfront investment in routers, access points and professional installation. WaaS spreads these costs out into a predictable monthly or annual subscription, making it easier to budget and scale.
- On-premise vs. cloud-managed: With traditional Wi-Fi, network management happens on-site, often requiring specialized tools and in-house expertise. WaaS uses a cloud-based dashboard that lets you monitor and manage your entire network from anywhere, with 24-hour expert support.
- Manual maintenance vs. automated updates: Traditional networks rely on your team to handle updates and troubleshooting. With WaaS, the service provider automatically takes care of firmware updates, security patches and performance tweaks, all to keep your network running smoothly with minimal downtime.
While traditional Wi-Fi requires you to purchase, maintain and troubleshoot everything in-house, Wi-Fi as a Service takes that responsibility off your plate. With WaaS, you get a network that’s easier to manage, easier to scale and far more secure, all with expert support built in. For businesses looking to future-proof their connectivity, the difference is clear.
Security and Compliance in Wi-Fi as a Service
Strong Wi-Fi isn’t just fast—it’s also secure. WaaS is built around modern cybersecurity and compliance standards, helping protect your business from threats and keeping you aligned with industry regulations.
- Data encryption and access control: Most WaaS providers use the latest encryption protocols, like WPA3, to protect your network traffic. You can also set role-based access controls, so employees only access the systems they need and sensitive information stays protected.
- Guest Wi-Fi security: Need to offer internet access to customers or visitors? WaaS makes it easy to create a separate, segmented network just for guests so they can get online without ever touching your internal systems or company data.
For example, hotels often use temporary, room-based login credentials or branded splash pages that expire after checkout. In cafés or waiting rooms, you can provide secure guest access that limits bandwidth, usage time or access to certain sites.
Without proper segmentation, guest activity like streaming, malware downloads or large file uploads could slow your operations or open your network to security risks.
- Industry compliance support: Many WaaS providers help your business stay compliant with strict industry regulations, such as Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and Payment Card Industry Data Security (PCI DSS). Built-in features like encrypted connections, activity logs and access controls make it easier to meet these requirements, protect your business’s and customers’ privacy, and stay ahead of audits.
WaaS provides the latest protection from external and internal threats to help your data stay right where it belongs—safe and secure on your network.
How to Choose the Right Wi-Fi as a Service Provider
Not all WaaS providers are the same. So how do you choose the one that ensures your network’s long-term performance, reliability and value? Here are a few things to look for:
- Reliability and uptime guarantees: Great Wi-Fi starts with dependable service. Look for providers that offer at least 99.9% uptime, backed by a Service Level Agreement (SLA). This helps ensure your business stays connected, even during high-demand times.
- Customization and scalability: Your network should grow with your business. The best WaaS providers offer flexible plans and custom configurations, allowing for additional access points and easy expansion across multiple locations without having to start from scratch.
- Support and monitoring features: Reliable support matters. Look for a provider that offers 24/7 network monitoring, real-time performance analytics and access to dedicated customer support when you need it. Whether you’re adding users, troubleshooting a slowdown or preparing for a busy season, having experts on standby makes all the difference.
Choosing a provider with these features could mean faster, more secure, more customizable networks from the moment you flip the power on.
FAQ: Wi-Fi as a Service Explained
1. How much does Wi-Fi as a Service cost?
Costs vary depending on the size of your network, how many locations you’re managing and the level of service you need. Most providers offer custom pricing based on your specific business needs.
2. Can WaaS replace my existing Wi-Fi setup?
Yes! WaaS can take the place of traditional routers and access points. It provides a fully managed, cloud-based solution that’s easier to scale and maintain.
3. Is Wi-Fi as a Service secure?
Absolutely. WaaS providers use enterprise-grade security tools like encryption, firewalls and AI-driven threat detection to help protect your network from cyber threats.
4. Can I scale my Wi-Fi network with WaaS?
Yes—one of the biggest advantages of WaaS is how easily it scales. You can add new access points or entire locations without major infrastructure upgrades.
5. What industries benefit most from WaaS?
WaaS is a great fit for retail, hospitality, education, healthcare, and any multi-location business that depends on secure, reliable Wi-Fi across many users and locations.
Final Thoughts: Is Wi-Fi as a Service Right for Your Business?
Wi-Fi as a Service is quickly becoming the go-to solution for businesses that want fast, secure and reliable connectivity without the complexity of managing it all themselves. With predictable costs, built-in security and simple scalability, WaaS helps businesses focus on what matters most—not their network setup.
If your current Wi-Fi feels outdated, hard to manage or too expensive to maintain, now might be the perfect time to make a change. Take a look at your current setup, evaluate your business’s growth plans and consider whether a modern, cloud-managed solution could better support your team.
In the Chattanooga area and ready to upgrade your network? Schedule a free, no-obligations consultation with one of EPB’s Wi-Fi experts to learn how your business can benefit from our enterprise-grade scalable WaaS solutions. Learn More.
