Facebook WiFi will soon be available to South African businesses using Netgear's next-generation wireless routers in their network infrastructures.
This is according to Armand Steffens, Africa manager of Netgear, who says, following the teaming up of Netgear with Facebook, the companies have delivered an application that allows free Internet access for users when they 'check in' at the business' Facebook page.
"Netgear is making the Facebook WiFi login available on its latest routers supporting dual-band 802.11ac wireless networking technology," says Steffens. "Business owners will be able to effectively turn their Netgear 802.11ac router into a free wireless hotspot, enabling customers and other visitors to access the Internet."
This capability will enable companies to build closer relationships with customers by sharing offers and announcements directly from their Facebook pages, says Andy Robb, CTO at Duxbury Networking, a distributor of Netgear products in SA.
"The move is designed to encourage businesses to develop stronger bonds with their customers and extend brand visibility with each check-in that appears in Facebook's news feed."
Robb says configuring the Netgear 802.11ac router for Facebook WiFi is a simple process. "Upon first connecting to the router's wireless signal, customers, guests and visitors will land directly on the company's Facebook page, where they will be asked to check in and have the option to 'like' the page before they begin using the Internet.
"No special codes are needed, and the customer will have the option to automatically check in for free WiFi on return visits. This means businesses can continue to reach their customers with future posts, announcements, coupons and other news. Businesses can also share special promotions on their Facebook pages so the offers are the first messages customers see when they check in," he adds.
Netgear is currently poised to roll out Facebook WiFi capability on four of its next-generation dual-band 802.11ac wireless routers: the Nighthawk R7 000 router, the R6 250 Smart WiFi router, the R6 200 WiFi router, and the R6 300 Smart WiFi router.
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