Coin Operated Internet Solutions For Public Areas
|
|
Coin Operated Internet Solutions For Public Areas |
CONCEPT
OF OPERATIONS
1.
Cablecom, through our LibertyNet service, offers a coin operated computer
terminal solution for accessing the Internet.
This unit consists of an Intel Celeron or Pentium 2 Tower PC with 64MB
RAM, a 2GB Hard Drive, a built in coin meter w/LED Time Read Out and a 17in
monitor. The coin meter takes
one-pound sterling coins and can be set to any time period per coin required by
the customer. Our current usage
charge setting is 15 minutes for £1 sterling.
The solution is elegant in its simplicity. We have eliminated the need for bulky add on boxes and have
kept the public presentation a concept that any PC user can understand and one
that looks like their system at home might.
2.
Our preferred and proven concept is an “always live” to the Internet
box. Each unit has a network card
and is connected via a router to a live 64k leased line that is shared amongst
the units. The cost of this line is
fixed, therefore removing the possibility of accruing extremely high call charge
cost. We consider five units per
64k to be optimal but have seen good performance up to seven units on a single
64k connection. Seven
to one
on a 64k line is a reasonable starting point as the times of full usage of all
seven units simultaneously are likely to be the exceptions rather than the rule.
An addition of a second router and line would split this into four &
three units per
line. Each router provided is
capable of connecting up to seven units. Single
lines of larger bandwidth are also options depending upon the number of units
required and the projected usage. A
larger bandwidth requirement will engender a higher cost for the line(s).
Cablecom will discuss these matters with you prior to quoting to ensure
we provide the optimum solution for your requirements.
We will clearly define all your options.
3. An alternative solution is to have dial up modems in each unit and have individual phone lines connected to each unit. The modems would be internal to the unit and would be 56k V.90 specification. The use of modems introduces ongoing call charges and increased connection time as the user waits for a connection to be made. This also introduces an uncertainty element should, for any reason, the connection fail to be made first time or in a timely manner. Cablecom can provide connectivity accounts for this solution through our LibertyNet dial up Internet service.
4. METER OPTIONS – Cablecom currently uses a high quality coin operated meter. At this time Cablecom does not offer a calling card solution using preexisting calling cards from the major telecommunications companies. Neither do we offer a credit card solution. Both of these methods would add significant cost and complexity to the unit that our concept seeks to avoid. We are looking at a magnetic card reader solution, which is available to us using a meter external to the unit. The cards can be preprinted with logos and instructions as needed and sold much as calling cards are now. Card dispensers could be used at the site of the units which will allow more cash options. We expect to have a solution based on magnetic strip cards available for consideration in the near future. Our goal will be to integrate these card reader meters with the existing unit allowing coin or card use. Another possibility we are exploring with our meter subcontractor is a smart card reader, which would allow the cards to be recharged with units. We do not yet have a date when this may be available.
BUSINESS
OPTIONS
Option 1
– Cablecom will install, maintain, service (to include parts and labour) all
equipment required to connect to the Internet via coin-operated terminal.
(This does not include change machines).
Cablecom will arrange for provision of leased line connectivity, routing
and networking of unit(s) provided.
This option will require the
following:
·
A monthly management and
administration fee
·
Monthly per unit maintenance
fees.
·
Mutually agreeable revenue
sharing favoring the customer.
· Customer will be responsible for provision of location, electric power and any required furnishings for placement of the unit(s)
Option 2
- Cablecom will install, maintain, service (to include parts and labour) all
equipment required to connect to the Internet via coin-operated terminal.
(This does not include change machines).
This option will require the
following:
·
The customer to pay for the
connectivity solution (the leased line and router.
·
Monthly per unit maintenance
fees.
·
Mutually agreeable revenue
sharing.
· Customer will be responsible for provision of location, electric power and any required furnishings for placement of the unit(s)
Option 3
- Cablecom will install, maintain, service (to include parts and labour) all
equipment required to connect to the Internet via coin-operated terminal.
(This does not include change machines).
This option will require the following:
The customer to pay for the
connectivity solution (the leased line and router).
·
A mutually agreeable revenue
sharing favoring Cablecom.
· Customer will be responsible for provision of location, electric power and any required furnishings for placement of the unit(s)
TIME
SCALES
1.
Cablecom builds the units to order.
We do not normally maintain a significant surplus stock due to the
specialized nature of the requirement for coin operated Internet terminals.
·
Delivery of all components for
assembly is a maximum of 2 business days from order.
·
Each unit takes a maximum of 2
business days to assemble
·
Leased line provision takes from
10 to 30 days depending on premises location and bandwidth required
·
PSTN lines (if modem solution is
required) can take a similar amount of time to leased line provision.
· On – site: a system of four units setup and networked to the leased line will normally take less than one day to complete depending on location and travel requirements of the engineer.
2. The time required to setup from order is normally defined by the time to get the line(s) in. Normally, the amount of time to have a line put in will exceed the time it takes us to prepare the units for the order.