80% of Surveyed Small Businesses Believe "Wi-Fi as Amenity" is Important

Some 80 percent of small businesses surveyed on behalf of Time Warner Cable Business Class believe their customers expect free WiFi, and also rank it as a top way to attract new customers, but only 43 percent of businesses offer it.

The survey also found that 41 percent of respondents do not use a website in their day-to-day business, and 54 percent are not using social media to promote their business.

Of course, it comes as no surprise that a survey conducted on behalf of a specific service provider finds that potential customers need to buy more of that service provider’s services to compete.

But it might be significant that offering Wi-Fi as an amenity is viewed to have such positive business value.

“The survey reveals that the top ‘must have’ services for small business are fast, reliable internet access; clear, reliable phone service; and reliable WiFi service at their business location,” says Time Warner Cable.

While a majority of businesses are evaluating their technology bi-annually or annually, 33 percent claim they have been negatively affected by outdated technology, and 35 percent are fixing tech problems themselves, Time Warner Cable says.