Internet access??

Replies

Ruth Finkenbiner November 21, 2012 at 12:22am

We tried Intuit Go Payment and it worked fine if we were in a location with good cell phone / wi fi. We ended up switching to Roam Data that has a "store and forward" option for those time that you do not have connectivity. We have 3-5 shows a year that are either in a park area that is just outside of town or far enough away from the commercial areas that coverage is "iffy" or they are in indoor locations that have horrible connectivity. We've also signed up for Square as our back up on my cell phone, I have a cell phone with AT&T coverage, my husband has Verizon and we're finding that we can now almost 100% of the time get coverage on at least one of our phones.
- Tom Hughes > Ruth Finkenbiner November 21, 2012 at 10:07am
  
  We have done three fairs since launching our business in April. Two of those fairs offered wifi. We used cell for the third. The cell coverage was weak and slow, but it did work. Our IPad works w/ either cell or wifi. I am planning to buy an IPad Mini next year and I may, based on feedback to my post, use a second cell carrier rather than adding another device to our Verizon account. We have been very happy w/ GoPayment, ease of use, good support, good reports, timely deposits, two pricing options, good rates.
  
  I am going to look into Roam Data re connectivity options.
  
  Thanks
  
  Tom
Geoff Coe November 19, 2012 at 2:37pm

Hi Tom. Well, the best way to find out would be to ask the show. However, in this case I think I'm on safe ground in stating that I don't know of ANY show that would offer dedicated internet access to its artists. (Bandwidth, security, portability, and expenses would be just the issues I can think of off the top of my head. What would the business benefit be to the promoter? I can't think of one.)

Besides which, if I were promoting a show I would consider connectivity to be an expense that should be appropriately borne by artists. I think you will have to go with your cell phone transmission option.
- Michael Reimer > Geoff Coe November 19, 2012 at 7:46pm
  
  The last two shows I attended the last two weekends had free wireless - PA Guild of Craftsmen at the Lancaster PA convention center and a small local school (North Penn). They gave out wireless instructions including password.
  - Tom Hughes > Michael Reimer November 19, 2012 at 9:01pm
    
    Thanks Michael.
    
    Tom
    - Connie Mettler > Tom Hughes November 20, 2012 at 6:31pm
      
      And, Tom, I think that this may be commonplace in indoor venues -- out on the streets, not so much, but I do know many business districts have free wi-fi and setting up near some of the businesses in downtowns will probably also give you wi fi. I live in a small town (10,000) but you can go anywhere downtown and have access.
      - Tom Hughes > Connie Mettler November 21, 2012 at 10:08am
        
        Thanks Connie,
        
        Tom
- Tom Hughes > Geoff Coe November 19, 2012 at 3:42pm
  
  Geoff,
  
  Thanks, all makes sense.
  
  Tom