PR releases

LocustWorld WiFi Mesh Billing System - Online Registration and Payments

Computer users can now connect into their local mesh, register, pay and go online instantly through a web based package provided by LocustWorld as a standard part of the MeshAP Pro service.

MeshAP Pro is the network service for commercial mesh operators, already used by hundreds of mesh operators who provide commercial services. The registration and payment system has been produced in response to demand from mesh operators who see it as a natural extension to the MeshAP Pro service. The billing system is widely used on networks world-wide and is now available as a standard service to all Mesh operators.

The registration and billing system is a complete package for network operators to provide a commercial wireless broadband. The system allows a wide variety of online payments services, including Paypal, Worldpay, Protx and very many more, allowing all network revenues go directly to the operator. "Scratch-Card" operation is also supported, which allows operators to sell access cards in local shops, often the most popular payment method in places where online payments are not widely used.

The new service is driving expansion of existing networks and stimulating demand for new networks, allowing the mesh operators to move rapidly into a revenue generating position, and letting customers get online quickly and easily. The system operation and presentation is flexible, allowing the operator to define the product set, pricing, appearance and the finer details of operation. Customer feedback from live operations throughout 2007 has helped to develop market tested practical functions that relate directly to the operator's business. All client contact is handled through a secure web server using https ssl encryption for security. The billing system is hosted on the same high availability servers that provide the other LocustWorld online services.

The mesh in Aberdeen Harbour, operated by Dick Fleming Communications, uses the billing system to provide internet services to the very many merchant ships that visit the port. Aberdeen harbour is a busy industrial port with a high turnover of commercial vessels servicing the North Sea Oil Industry.

Users can sign up for a day, a week, or a month, depending upon their needs.

Each device that connects to the mesh is shown the welcome page, whether or not they chose to connect to the internet. This provides an opportunity for the mesh operator to offer local information, sponsorship and direct advertising to a closely focused audience. Using the walled garden function of the mesh selected web sites can be made available to un-authenticated users. The walled garden function can allow local agencies to provide more information, such as tourist guides and local government information.

Wifinity provide wireless internet services in residential properties throughout the UK. Using the integrated billing system Wifinity can install meshes quickly and conveniently, and their meshboxes are ready to provide internet and earn revenue as soon as they go online.

Here are some examples of billing system pages running live on meshes in Europe, USA and Africa

Aberdeen Harbour - Operated by Dick Fleming Communications

Wifinity - UK wide residential broadband in apartment blocks

CMS Broadband - Dumfries and Galloway - Scotland

NB Wifi - New Braunfels, TX

VerbalStore - Liberty Online

LocustWorld have made it easy for existing mesh operators to take on the new billing system, and it is integrated with the existing management tools.

User traffic analysis, tracking internet usage, relates directly to users in the billing system, so operators can cross reference the billing system records with user activity data. To sign up for the billing system register an account at http://account.locustworld.com and select the billing system request link from your membership page.

Questions to consider for new billing system operations are:
Payment Methods

Standard products are 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, but any fixed calendar period can be defined. There are functions to provide for a one off membership fee to qualify lower pricing in the longer term, recurring subscriptions, special offers and individual terms. Product options allow operators to charge for a fixed amount of megabytes to download, either as an alternative to a date expiry, or mixed with a dated product, so you can offer a mix of "low user" subscriptions, "unlimited download" products and "pay as you go."