WiFi Hotspots

As a small business owner, ensuring seamless access to your digital files and client contact is paramount.  One option to rely upon, both as a travel option and a backup option in times of emergency or crisis, is a personal or portable WiFi Hotspot.

Interesting that in the canine or broader pet world, hotspot is a term used to define an area on the skin that has had some element of trauma.  It usually is related to an allergy but can be something more serious.  In the human digital world, it refers to a electronic device that creates your own portable WiFi, usually working off cellular lines and signals.  It is a much more positive definition than in the pet world.  

Nearly all cellular carriers offer a WiFi Hotspot Option as an addition to your cellular plan.  There may be an upfront cost for the physical device and there is normally a monthly service fee that is added to your overall cellular plan.  These devices are plug in devices but it has been our experience the battery works for up to a day unplugged.  This is particularly useful in the car when traveling with a colleague who can use it when not driving, of course.  They can also be handy for presentations or meetings at the local restaurant or coffee shop.  

As part of your firm’s disaster recovery plan, include a Hotspot WiFi.  If your cable goes down during weather disturbances, if your power goes out, if you need to find shelter elsewhere than your office or home, a portable WiFi Hotspot is a must. Traveling with a more secure WiFi is preferable than exposing your files to a community free public WiFi.

While many cellphones can have personal WiFi Hotspots, they normally do not have the range or power to sustain multiple pieces of equipment.  Investing in an actual WiFi Hotspot device may be a good move for your firm.  Sliding from seamless device to device will be a source of calm during a time of any disturbance or crisis disabling your normal WiFi service.  

If you travel often and need your computer, you may consider yourself a Digital Nomad. Or if you are forced to be where your internet provider is not available, contact your cellphone service provider and even your internet provider and inquire about portable WiFi Hotspots. Whether you are a Digital Nomad or operating in crisis mode,  It will likely have been time well spent.

Be well.