A Case Study of a Wireless Internet Hotspot

The objective of this chapter is to highlight critical elements affecting the diffusion of broadband wireless Internet at a hotspot location, through a case study. The research deals with a wireless Internet services project in the main Paris airports, and comprises two components. First, we analyze the emergence of a value chain for a new service, based on the cooperation of several firms. In particular, we show how different actors can or cannot position themselves on this value chain, according to their resources and capabilities. Second, we explore the perceptions and attitudes of business passengers in order to better understand the potential adoption and use of hotspot services, and provide a preliminary framework of analysis. The research is drawn from a qualitative survey, made up of in-depth interviews of potential suppliers (airline companies, service providers, airport managers) and business passengers.