United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
US firms squander $7.3 billion on Wi-Fi, roaming charges
It costs US companies $7.3 billion to keep business travelers connected on the road according to research commissioned by Amba Hotels.
The survey says the average US business traveler will spend $15.10 on Wi-Fi and roaming charges during each business trip.
The report also highlights the difficulties for many travelers to remain productive throughout the working day away from the office.
It found 39% have been unable to log on to a videoconferencing meeting, 14% have failed to meet an important work deadline and 55% said an unreliable Wi-Fi connection had prevented them from staying in contact with friends and family.
"Wi-Fi is consistently one of the key criteria that influences our guests’ choice of hotel – in fact for some people, it’s more important than a good night’s sleep," said Mike DeNoma, CEO of glh, the parent company of Amba Hotels.
Hotels and airports were among the most expensive providers of Wi-Fi access with travelers paying up to $26 for 24 hours.
However US travelers spend less on Wi-Fi and roaming charges than their UK counterparts, who paid out £16.30 ($25.00) per business trip.
The survey was conducted by Gabriel Research & Management Ltd and polled business travelers in the UK, USA, France, and Germany in January 2015.
Related News Stories:
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Storm Lilian travel chaos as bank holiday flights cancelled