Getting the signal
Business has surged for mobile Wi-Fi equipment producer Uptrip since the first half of last year.
More than 3 million people used its Wi-Fi transmitters in 2014, the company's CEO Tang Jirong says. Most placed orders through such e-commerce platforms as Taobao and Tmall, and the messaging platform WeChat.
Tang explains demand is growing in pace with smartphone technology, social media development and the increase of outbound Chinese travelers.
He expects 10 million users soon, since the service is increasingly popular with travelers.
Given that more than 100 million Chinese went abroad last year, and the 10 percent who used Wi-Fi services spent an average of 150 yuan, the market is projected to be at least 1.5 billion yuan. And it's expected to grow substantially.
But the business may become obsolete in five to eight years, Yang says, since more locations are offering free Wi-Fi.
He believes more for-profit models should be introduced.
Beijing-based travel communication-service provider Uroaming's vice-president, Sun Dehuo, believes more Wi-Fi providers are paying attention to demand from tourists and will offer more services for outbound travelers in the future.
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