Dependable and robust internet access at your short-term rental property is a vital amenitiy. In addition, with the rise of remote workers and “work-cationers”, more and more travelers are looking for short-term rentals where they can work during the day and explore the area at night.

Most guests even filter their search by WiFi availability! It is imperative to provide excellent internet connections in your vacation rental. This blog post serves as your guide to Airbnb wifi and broadband.

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What is Broadband?

Broadband is essentially the technical term for WiFi. Its dictionary definition is a “transmission technique using a wide range of frequencies that enables messages to be sent simultaneously, used in fast internet connections.” Broadband provides a high-speed internet connection to varying technologies such as cable, satellite, and WiFi.

What Broadband Speed do I need?

The Federal Communication Commission classifies broadband as 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds. Mbps is the abbreviation of “megabits per second .”The higher the number, the faster the internet speed it offers.

For short-term vacation rentals, your broadband speed is recommended to be a minimum of 35 Mbps for downloads. 35 Mbps is a good baseline speed for general internet use. That includes video streaming services like Netflix, DisneyPlus, and Hulu.

You will want to consider how large your property is. For example, a three-bedroom house will require more robust WiFi than a one-bedroom apartment. It is best to place the router in a central location.

 Many broadband services provide a mobile app that you can use to see the broadband speed in different areas of the property. Basements and attics tend to be particularly challenging and often have “dead spots.” Dead spots are areas where the broadband is either not reaching or running extremely slow.

Our favorite option to ensure strong WiFi throughout your short-term rental is to utilize a mesh network. A mesh network uses different nodes around the property that dynamically keeps you connected to the internet as you move about. We highly suggest using Google’s mesh WiFi system. It is very easy to add or extend to your current broadband set up.

What Type of Airbnb Wifi and Broadband is Right for You?

Not all broadband is the same. Before purchasing a broadband package, consider the unique elements of your property.

First, do you rent your property seasonally? If yes, you will want to look for a provider that offers low or zero cancellation fees, or allows you to pause your service. This will prevent you from being charged for services when no one stays in your rental home. Short-term or no contract services like this can be more expensive upfront than a traditional broadband contract but will save you money in the long run.

A mobile broadband hotspot with a “pay as you go” feature may work for your property. Generally, these options do not allow as much data as traditional plans, but they are straightforward to set up. Unfortunately, depending on the guest, you may find yourself paying extremely high data fees from video streaming and downloading.

If your property is located in an area with outstanding cell service, unlimited data contracts are another broadband option. There are minimal setup costs, and it does not require a visit from an engineer to get up and running. However, if your property is in a remote area, this technique is not advised.

If you have a full booking calendar year-found, a traditional internet plan like the one you use in your home is a great option for your short-term rental.

Guest Access to the Airbnb Wifi Router

It is essential that your guests can easily access the internet, and it works quickly and dependably. Make sure that guests receive the WiFi password either in their welcome message or via a conveniently placed QR code.

The router itself can be stored either in a closet or under a desk. This is to keep it out of the way and prevent accidental damages.

Lastly, be sure to enable the remote administrator function on your router. This will allow you to manage the router and check on its position without paying a visit to the property.

In conclusion, providing a solid and stable internet connection for your guests is now a staple of a superhost. Consider the unique elements of your property to determine if you need a flexible broadband contract, a mobile broadband hotspot, unlimited data contract, or a traditional home internet plan. Remember to provide easy WiFi access for your guests via a QR code, and only make the power button on the router accessible.

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today! ​