How WiFi works on buses

An indispensable service for modern travellers

The provision of WiFi on buses, both in local public transport and in coaches, has become increasingly important in recent years. Travellers increasingly expect to be able to access the internet while travelling. WiFi in coaches enables passengers to stay productive, communicate or chat. WiFi also helps to increase the attractiveness of public transport. The introduction of bus internet makes using public transport more convenient and time-saving for commuters and travellers.

How does WiFi work in buses?

A router is installed in the vehicle, which establishes an internet connection via a mobile phone network. This signal is then passed on to the passengers as WiFi. The quality and speed of the internet on the bus can vary depending on the network coverage and the number of users. HOTSPLOTS WiFi solutions always offer the best reception for your passengers, even during the journey. You can choose between different hardware solutions to equip your vehicle in the best possible way. We will be happy to advise you personally on choosing the right hardware.

WiFi as basis for intelligent passenger services for your transport company

WiFi is already standard equipment in many vehicles these days. Tenders issued by public transport authorities are not the only ones increasingly demanding WiFi for new vehicles or modernisations; transport operators themselves are also aiming to tap into new passenger groups with digital services and remain an attractive provider for existing customers.

HOTSPLOTS offers operators a selection of diverse solutions that can be flexibly combined. HOTSPLOTS offers hardware for stationary and mobile locations to ensure a seamless connection from WiFi at stops or hotspots at ticket machines to the WiFi in vehicles. Other HOTSPLOTS solutions include the integration of public WiFi and other IT components in the vehicle in a hardware environment or the display of real-time information on passengers’ end devices within a WiFi portal.

Flexible internet access for buses: Easily realised with HOTSPLOTS

With HOTSPLOTS’ WiFi solutions, coach and bus operators are able to provide both their guests and staff with fast and flexible access to the internet.

We help you to set up your passenger WiFi. You decide how you want to authorise access:

• Direct-Login: This free access allows users to use the WiFi simply by accepting the terms of use. No registration, no hurdles – instant internet access for your guests.
• User-Login: If you prefer registration, the user login offers the option for your users to create a personal account on hotsplots.de, allowing easier and repeated connection to the WiFi while providing additional security and data protection.
• Ticket-Login: The ticket option is based on vouchers that you can issue independently. These tickets can be distributed to guests, for example, to grant them temporary access to the internet.

In addition, access for individual users can be limited in time or by a maximum data volume if desired. HOTSPLOTS also offers a certified youth protection filter. You can define and control all these options easily and conveniently yourself using our WiFi management software.

Thanks to these flexible and secure hotspot solutions, passengers can make optimum use of the WiFi in your buses to relax, while your staff can also use the internet.

More than just WiFi: entertainment and passenger information in the HOTSPLOTS WiFi portal

The HOTSPLOTS WiFi portal adds a communication channel to the hotspot with internet access for your passengers. Within the portal, you can display passenger information to your customers in real time and offer entertainment solutions. You can also integrate your own company data and advertising from partners.

Possible options include the following:

• The display of data on the current journey, including details of possible transfer connections and any changes due to roadworks or delays.
• The display of the current location on a map (‘moving map’). This display can be combined with tourist information in the region.

The portal data is offered to passengers automatically and browser-based on their own end devices after connecting to the WiFi. This helps to improve the travelling experience by allowing your passengers to adjust their travel plans efficiently and flexibly during the journey. The WiFi thus also becomes your personalised information and advertising channel.

If required, HOTSPLOTS supports transport providers with the collection of data and the legally compliant adaptation of the terms of use. At the same time, HOTSPLOTS ensures the data protection compliance of the services.

Modular entertainment solutions for travellers: Everything offered by HOTSPLOTS

The modular entertainment solutions from HOTSPLOTS offer great entertainment. The selected media are made available locally on the system and are therefore also available offline in the WiFi portal. Updates for daily offers are automated via the HOTSPLOTS Content Delivery Network. If required, updates are uploaded via so-called ‘’WiFi refuelling stations‘’ in the vehicle depots or at selected stops, thus hardly affecting the data volume.

Various information and entertainment modules are available for the WiFi portal:

Experience Europe: Seamless Europe-wide Internet access with HOTSPLOTS

Today’s mobility is connected, digital and borderless. HOTSPLOTS sees itself as a pioneer of this new era of connectivity by offering travellers and commuters seamless internet access throughout Europe. It’s not just about providing a stable WiFi connection on every bus and every route within the European Union. It is also about ensuring a standardised and secure user experience that complies with the diverse legal frameworks and data protection regulations of all EU member states.

With a deep understanding of the complexity of this challenge, HOTSPLOTS has developed a customised solution. This ensures compliance with the specific laws and regulations in each country. Our expertise enables us to offer mobility providers a worry-free implementation of WiFi services in their vehicle fleets. Thanks to our comprehensive compliance measures, you can rest assured that you can offer your services in a legally compliant manner and without concerns regarding compliance with country-specific regulations.

Advantages of HOTSPLOTS WiFi solutions in vehicles

• VPN Routing – Optimised design of the vehicle-to-ground connection (e.g. bandwidth management, load balancing, minimum overhead).
• Seamless Connectivity — 100% passenger comfort: automatic connection between station, train and public transport.
• Legal security – With HOTSPLOTS you always fulfil all legal requirements, EU-wide!
• Flexible and scalable – Our WiFi systems can be installed in almost any vehicle and expanded as required.
• Comprehensive services for you – On request, we can provide a one-stop package including a data tariff.
• Everything at a glance – Thanks to HOTSPLOTS Telemetry, you have simple fleet monitoring at hand.
• WiFi Portal – Real-time passenger information and attractive entertainment services delivered directly to your passengers’ devices.
• Customisation of the login page – for personalised marketing and an improved passenger experience.

Legal security & data protection

Full security for WiFi operators and hotspot users: HOTSPLOTS is registered with the Federal Network Agency under registration number 05/423 for the provision of commercial telecommunications services to the public in accordance with Section 5 of the German Telecommunications Act (TKG).