Meraki, whose mission is to bring affordable WiFi to the masses, dramatically changed its pricing and service after emerging from its beta, angering existing users, according to Wi-Fi Net News.
Meraki's business model has been to use cheap off-the-shelf WiFi equipment and grassroots volunteerism. The ad-hoc networks are formed using shared broadband connections and Meraki's WiFi repeaters that users place in their windows, balconies or roofs, enabling anyone to become their own wireless ISP.
Now early users are seeing their cost structure skyrocket as Meraki, who lists Google as one of its investors, upped its equipment pricing. Meraki sells two basic nodes, indoor and outdoor. Each was priced at $50 and $100 respectively during the beta. After the beta, the price remains the same but many of the critical features, such as billing and authentication, that were included during the beta period effectively raises the price to $150 for the indoor node and $200 for the outdoor node. Â
Meraki is also requiring the display of (Google) and a percentage for handling billing. Does this mean Meraki is struggling with this business model?
For more about Meraki's changes:
- take a look at this post from WNN Wi-Fi Net News
- check out the Meraki Forums
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