Outdoor Wi-Fi: A Game Changer for Driving New Revenue and Growth

In the past, outdoor Wi-Fi connectivity was considered more of a luxury than a necessity. Let’s face it: our world is being defined by our digital dependence and the need to always be connected, no matter where we are. Subscribers today expect seamless wireless connectivity far beyond their home or business—at outdoor sports and hospitality venues, parks and recreational areas, marinas, barns, workshops, garages, or even a pool area in their backyard.

Broadband service providers (BSPs) can meet this demand with an outdoor Wi-Fi offering that generates incremental revenue streams, expands into new markets, and secures new subscribers.

4 Benefits of Deploying Outdoor Wi-Fi

According to the latest projections from a 2024 Mordor Intelligence study, the 2024 outdoor Wi-Fi market is expected to reach $7.12 billion in revenue and grow to $11.2 billion by 2029. This explosive growth is a result of technological advancements and increasing demand. As consumer preferences shift towards more expansive outdoor lifestyles, the need for outdoor Wi-Fi becomes critical, making it a market BSPs cannot ignore.
 

There are four primary benefits of deploying outdoor Wi-Fi solutions for BSPs.

• Seamlessly extend Wi-Fi coverage to outdoor areas without sacrificing speed, reliability, or quality of experience. Small businesses and MDUs with large outdoor patios or courtyards are use cases that would benefit from outdoor Wi-Fi coverage.
  
  
• Improve connectivity and service quality with outdoor Wi-Fi access points that don’t risk interference from other devices or impaired signal propagation from structural elements (like indoor walls).
  
  
• Enable security coverage and installment flexibility for high-resolution security cameras and surveillance systems that protect subscriber properties and provide peace of mind when you are away from your home or business.
  
  
• Deliver and monetize managed Wi-Fi service offerings across new businesses and segments. Outdoor Wi-Fi is an excellent opportunity for BSPs to build stronger subscriber relationships, deliver personalized experiences, and increase customer lifetime value.

Outdoor Wi-Fi, Powered by the Platform

To outlast the competition and position your business for success well into the future, you need to reach new markets and subscribers faster and at a lower cost, with faster service creation, delivery, and support capabilities. Calix’s differentiated portfolio of SmartLife™ residential and small business managed services, with the foundational end-to-end Calix Broadband Platform, make this possible.
 

BSPs who have rolled out the Calix outdoor Wi-Fi solution—featuring the compact, weather-resistant GigaSpire u4hm that delivers 1,000+ feet of outdoor Wi-Fi coverage—are rapidly revolutionizing the subscriber experience. Peoples Telephone Cooperative (PTC) is one BSP that is adopting outdoor Wi-Fi. In the first few weeks, PTC deployed more than 40 u4hm units with only cross/upsell opportunities—demonstrating high demand for outdoor Wi-Fi. Subscribers can fully configure settings using PTC’s mobile CommandIQ® app and set screen time limits and content filtering using ExperienceIQ®, both SmartHome™ managed services. Technicians have praised the ease of setup and flexible mounting options, resulting in faster time-to-market and time-to-revenue for the BSP. PTC has also seen growing demand from new segments, including farms and lakeside properties.
 

The u4hm and all Calix Wi-Fi systems leverage insights via Calix Service Cloud to ensure seamless delivery and management of managed services and an unparalleled subscriber experience.
 

Request a consult today to learn more about how the Calix outdoor Wi-Fi solution can be a game changer for your business.