Piso WiFi Business Guide (Philippines)
Easy, step-by-step guide to starting a Piso WiFi business in the Philippines to boost foot traffic for your existing store, café, or shop.
What you'll learn in this Piso WiFi guide
This Piso WiFi business guide explains the basic business model, required equipment, simple pricing strategies, and optional registration steps if you want to formally report Piso WiFi earnings.
For related topics, you may also want to read our Sari-Sari Store Business Guide, Mini Convenience Store Business Guide, and Business Registration & Bank Account Guide.
Para ma-planong mabuti ang internet plan, device cost, at extra kuryente, puwede mong gamitin ang Budget Calculator para sa monthly bills, ang Electricity Calculator para sa dagdag kuryente ng router at modem, at ang Task Management System para sa daily monitoring at coin collection routines.
Step-by-step checklist
Step 1: Understand the business model
Piso WiFi is a small-scale WiFi service where customers pay per use (for example, ₱1, ₱5, or ₱10 for a set amount of time). The main goal is to attract more customers to your store by offering low-cost internet access.
At a minimum, you need an internet connection, a router, and a billing system (usually built into the Piso WiFi box).
Step 2: Check your internet connection
Make sure you have a stable broadband connection. Fiber or DSL is best for multiple users; prepaid pocket WiFi is less ideal for heavy usage.
- Minimum speed: around 10 Mbps for light traffic.
- Target at least 25 Mbps+ if you expect many simultaneous users.
Step 3: Acquire a Piso WiFi device
Common options in the Philippines include:
- PLDT Piso WiFi Box
- Globe At Home Piso WiFi Box
- Generic Piso WiFi routers from Lazada/Shopee (usually ₱2,000–₱5,000)
Most units offer:
- Built-in login/payment page for users.
- Coin slot or cash collection mechanism.
- Basic remote management via mobile or PC.
Step 4: Register your business (optional but recommended)
If Piso WiFi is bundled with your existing registered business, you can usually treat it as additional income. If you want to report it separately or formalize it as a small side business, consider:
- DTI: register a business name (around ₱200–₱500 for basic scopes).
- BIR: register for tax purposes and declare your extra income.
- Barangay Permit: some barangays may ask for a permit if Piso WiFi noticeably increases foot traffic.
Many very small setups inside an already-registered store run informally, but formal registration is always safer for taxes and compliance.
Step 5: Set up the device
Connect the Piso WiFi router to your modem, then configure basic settings through its admin interface:
- WiFi name (SSID) — ideally with your shop’s name.
- Pricing tiers (e.g., ₱1 for 15–30 minutes, ₱5 for 1 hour).
- Time limits per user session.
- Optional welcome message with promo text.
Test with your own phone or laptop to ensure login and internet access are smooth.
Step 6: Set pricing and payment method
Popular pricing models include:
- ₱1 for 15–30 minutes.
- ₱5 for 1 hour.
Payment options:
- Coins via traditional coin slot.
- Small bills with a change tray handled by staff.
- Modern option: mobile payment (GCash/PayMaya QR) then staff manually load time.
Step 7: Promote inside your business
Use simple, eye-catching signage, for example:
- “Piso WiFi here — surf for as low as ₱1!”
- “Stay, surf, and shop!”
Train staff to help customers connect and consider:
- Free WiFi time for customers who buy above a certain amount.
- Bundle promos (coffee + internet, meals + WiFi, etc.).
Step 8: Maintain the service
- Check router and internet connection daily.
- Collect coins and ensure the device is not jammed or abused.
- Monitor speed; restart devices if performance drops.
- Update passwords or access rules periodically to discourage freeloading.
Step 9: Upsell & increase foot traffic
Treat Piso WiFi as a traffic driver, not just a standalone income stream. Combine it with small incentives:
- Discounts or loyalty stamps for repeat users.
- “Free 30 minutes WiFi” for customers who reach a certain purchase amount.
- Combo deals (e.g., snacks + internet, coffee + WiFi).
Tips to boost success
- Place the router in a central, high-traffic area inside your shop.
- Offer reliable and reasonably fast connection so users are willing to stay and come back.
- Encourage customers to post about your store on social media while using your WiFi.
- Track usage for a month and adjust your price/time packages based on demand.