Nationwide Wi-Fi carrier Bitbuzz reported a 17pc year-on-year increase in revenues of €1.1m for 2010. The company attributed the growth to the popularity of smartphones and tablets, such as the iPad, among Ireland’s business community.
Bitbuzz experienced a 17pc increase in revenue to €1.1m in 2010 compared with €938,000 in 2009.
The company had a total of 355,590 registered users by the end of December, a year-on-year increase of 65pc.
The total number of Bitbuzz Wi-Fi hotspots across the country at the end of December 2010 was 245, up from 204 at the end of 2009.
Experiencing steady growth throughout the year, Bitbuzz recorded an increase of 31pc in the number of registered users in the second half of 2010, reflecting an equal proportion of growth when compared to the first half of 2010.
Hotspot increase against the odds
“We are very satisfied with the figures for 2010 and in particular the increase in our total number of hotspots, which was difficult in a year that saw a lot of hotels and coffee shops go out of business,” said Shane Deasy, managing director, Bitbuzz.
“It is encouraging to know that, despite closures and a very challenging economic environment, we still increased our number of hotspots.”
“The Wi-Fi index reached a high of 297 at the end of December, up from 135 for the same period in 2009. This continued growth reflects an increase in usage in our daytime Wi-Fi venues and 3-star hotels, and of course, as a result of the increased popularity of smartphones and tablets, such as the iPad.
“We are confident that this figure will continue to increase throughout 2011 as the number of smartphone users in Ireland increases,” Deasy said.
UK expansion
As well as expanding its presence in Ireland, Deasy said the company is focused on forging more B2B partnerships, as well as pursuing its UK expansion, which now counts 50 hotspots.
“I think in 2011 we will see our presence develop significantly in the UK,” he said.
New business contracts announced by Bitbuzz during 2010 included deals with O2 Ireland, 3 Ireland, the Carlton Hotel Group, Druids Glen Resort Hotel, Costa Coffee, and an upgraded hotspot at the Merrion Hotel and the Guinness Storehouse.
