Bar & Pub WiFi: Pros of Reliable Broadband for the Big Games

Pub WiFi is more than a convenience for any pub or bar - it’s a necessity.

Within the space of weeks, football fans will be treated to the FA Cup Final, the Scottish Cup Final, and the lottery of the playoffs. Then, just as they're catching their breath, the Euros begin.

This time of year can be a gold rush for pubs and bars - especially those that have licences to legally show games on their premises. That said, with many establishments now streaming live games, a link in the chain appears that absolutely cannot fail.

That link is  connectivity. By this, getting the best business broadband to keep up with the demand for the big games.

This blog explains why bar and pub WiFi is critical ahead of the end-of-season football gala.

If you’re looking to stream the big game on match days, you don’t want to risk falling foul of a lagging broadcast.

Modern streaming devices need a strong internet connection to avoid experiencing business WiFi problems, making reliable broadband essential.

Here are the pros of getting set up.

The importance of uninterrupted service can’t be overstated; moments of buffering or stream disruption definitely hinder the viewing experience, especially at key points in a match.

You can imagine how tensions might rise if the screen were to freeze or go blank during a penalty shootout, or in the final minutes of a playoff decider. On the occasions this happens, patron satisfaction plummets.

That dip in satisfaction can be long-lasting, especially if disruptions are persistent, and footy fanatics may choose to watch future matches elsewhere. This would mean not just a loss of business for the day but potentially for the long term.

High definition (HD) and 4K streaming have set new standards for viewing live sports, offering crystal-clear images that bring the excitement of the game to life. Delivering this level of quality requires that your pub WiFi is robust and consistent.

In today's digital age, social sharing has also become integral to live sports viewing, with customers often taking to social media to share their excitement – they post pictures and update live scores to amplify the moment with friends and followers.

A pub that offers uninterrupted, high-quality streaming becomes the backdrop for these shared moments. In other words, it’s free marketing.

Today's establishments rely on various digital tools and business services for smooth day-to-day operations.

●  Point of Sale (POS) systems manage transactions, enabling staff to process orders.

●  Background music systems can create ambience, enhancing the customer experience.

●   Guest Wi-Fi is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Customers expect to stay connected even while enjoying a pint and watching the game.

●  Security cameras ensure the safety and security of both patrons and staff.

As each service depends on a reliable internet connection, capacity planning becomes essential. It's not just about having broadband; it's about having broadband that can handle simultaneous demands without faltering.

For example, when many patrons connect to Wi-Fi during a critical football match, orders are being processed through POS systems, and security cameras are operational. The last thing an establishment needs is for the internet to slow down, or worse – fail.

Big games draw larger crowds. This increases the strain on mobile broadband services as more devices connect and more digital services run concurrently. This surge in demand underscores the importance of a broadband service - a service capable of handling high traffic volumes without compromising stability or speed.

Effective traffic management ensures the connection remains robust and responsive. Even when demand spikes, disruptions to live streams, POS systems, and other critical services are prevented. Such reliability is vital for maintaining the quality of the live game experience and allows for the smooth operation of all digital aspects of the business.

Backup pub and bar WiFi solutions are equally important.

Unexpected outages can occur for various reasons, from technical failures to external network issues. Having contingency plans, such as secondary broadband lines or 4G backup options, can be a game-changer. These solutions ensure that the establishment can switch to alternative connectivity and maintain continuous service if something happens to the primary connection.

With increasingly reliable broadband, establishments have the opportunity to offer interactive experiences that go beyond passive viewing. They can involve patrons in the moment, with game outcomes voting or real-time quizzes related to the match. Such interactivity enhances the viewing experience and nurtures a sense of community and camaraderie. Quite simply, it turns simple game-watching into a proper event.

The integration of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) presents an even more exciting future for sports viewing in pubs and bars. Imagine patrons donning VR headsets to experience being in the stadium, feeling the crowd's energy, and viewing the game from different angles - all from the comfort of their local.

Meanwhile, AR could overlay real-time game stats or live social media feeds onto mobile devices to further enrich the viewing experience.

These immersive viewing experiences are on the horizon, but they’ll depend on fast, reliable connectivity that streams high-quality, real-time content without interruption.

Reliable pub and bar Wifi is not a luxury. No matter your patrons - from the student crowd to your long-time regulars - it’s expected.

A quality broadband service ensures uninterrupted live streaming, enables interactive customer experiences, and supports essential digital services. Broadband connectivity really is at the heart of a successful sports viewing experience.

Investing in robust broadband isn't just about preventing the frustrations of buffering or outages; it's about crafting an immersive, engaging atmosphere that turns first-time visitors into regulars.

The future of sports entertainment in the hospitality industry is digital. The core of this evolution is the need for reliable, high-speed internet.

The UK network is switching to fit-for-purpose Full Fibre broadband. Faster and more reliable than the traditional copper network, Full Fibre is the future. Indeed, 'The Big Switch Off’ means cheerio to copper by 2027.

Full Fibre packages from Clear Business include our best-ever WiFi 6 router. It means higher connection speeds and the ability to connect more devices without compromising performance.