The key idea behind the success of the free-hotspot.com solution is the “transactional” free Wi-Fi model. Under this model, the consumer is offered the ability to gain access to the Internet in return for interacting with a Sponsor message. The Sponsor message is formatted for delivery and display on mobile devices by Anacapa’s WMS™ (Wi-Fi Messaging Service) platform, which allows us to serve dynamic content to Wi-Fi users before they are allowed onto the network or Internet. This content can be many things, including Sponsor Messages from the HotSpot Operator, Guest satisfaction and marketing surveys, advertisements, etc. as well as third party advertisements, surveys or other messages.

These Sponsor Messages create a revenue stream for Anacapa, and our operating costs are offset by the revenue we earn from the Messaging. This revenue, in turn, allows us to offer premium Wi-Fi services at discounted rates.

For this innovative technical and business solution, Anacapa was awarded the the prestigious WBI (Wireless Broadband Innovation) Award for Best Public Wi-Fi Product 2006.

In 2006 Anacapa also won the FIZZZ Award in Germany for "Top Business Idea" of the year. The FIZZ Awards are given annually to innovators in the restaurant industry, and the Business Idea category was judged solely by the product or service that contributed most to the "bottom line" of a restaurant business. The ability for the free-hotspot.com free Wi-Fi service to attract foot traffic, boost customer satisfaction and above all, to increase sales and profitability, won the FIZZZ Award for free-hotspot.com.