Innovations for a Connected Society
Interview with Sascha Schaub, Managing Director of hotsplots GmbH
WLAN has become indispensable in our daily lives - whether in public transportation, in hotels, or in Smart Cities. However, the requirements for this technology are more diverse than ever: it has to not only provide stable connections but also act as a communication and data interface. The Berlin-based hotsplots GmbH has established itself as a pioneer in this field.
With innovative technologies such as the patented HSVPN protocol and a comprehensive solution approach, the company creates intelligent concepts that go far beyond the classic hotspot. Now, HOTSPLOTS is focusing on expansion: As part of the Wifirst Group, the IT service provider will further expand its position in Europe and actively shape the future of digital networking.
20 Years of Success Stories
Since its founding in 2004, Berlin-based hotsplots GmbH has evolved into one of the leading IT service providers for WLAN solutions in Germany and Europe. The company, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in June 2024, focuses on organic growth and continuous innovation. "Our success is based on a stable company structure and long-term development," explains Managing Director Sascha Schaub, who has been at the helm of the company since January 2024. With over 19,000 WLAN hotspots, including 8,000 in public local and regional transport, HOTSPLOTS is a reliable partner for municipalities, companies, and public institutions. Clients such as Deutsche Bahn, Edeka, and numerous others appreciate the wide range of services, which extends from WLAN for citizens' offices to public transport, libraries, and sports facilities. "Our solutions are specifically designed for customers who are not looking for island solutions but desire a location-spanning, seamless networking," emphasizes Sascha Schaub. This comprehensive offering not only makes HOTSPLOTS an important IT service provider but also a key player in the development of Smart Cities.
Patented Solutions
A hallmark of HOTSPLOTS is the development of its own technologies, which are always tailored to the specific requirements of customers. A special highlight is the patented HSVPN protocol, which ensures reliable and stable internet connections - even in particularly challenging environments such as public transport. "The needs of our customers vary greatly. While hotels often rely on DSL and fiber optic lines, we work with mobile solutions in local and regional transport. Our strength lies in connecting these different technologies in such a way that the user experiences a seamless network," explains Sascha Schaub. In addition to classic WLAN usage, HOTSPLOTS has developed innovative applications that go far beyond the original purpose.
The company offers anonymized passenger flow and traffic analysis, which help transportation companies to optimize capacities and route planning. A pilot project with the transport services in Hanover shows how Wi-Fi can be used as a foundation for digital data collection. HOTSPLOTS also opens up new possibilities in the hospitality and retail industries: from targeted marketing campaigns to the integration of loyalty apps, data can be used to enhance customer experiences. "Our IT platform has long been more than just a Wi-Fi hotspot – it is a versatile tool for communication and data management," summarizes Sascha Schaub.
Part of the Wifirst Group
A milestone in the company's history was the integration into the French Wifirst Group in early 2024. This partnership grants HOTSPLOTS access to new markets and strengthens its international orientation. "Our goal is to become the largest Managed Network Provider in Europe," says Sascha Schaub. "The Wifirst Group offers ideal conditions for this." Through synergies with the parent company, HOTSPLOTS can not only expand its solutions in Germany but also in countries such as France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. "Particularly in public transportation and stationary sectors, this opens up new opportunities," he adds. "We will target larger customers and pioneer innovative themes like digital passenger analytics or Smart Cities at a European level."
For the fiscal year 2025, HOTSPLOTS has set ambitious goals: an increased presence in the European markets is intended to further accelerate growth. "The year 2024 served as a phase of integration. From 2025, we want to fully roll out our solutions internationally," says Sascha Schaub, giving an insight into the strategy.
For a Connected Society
The digital transformation of cities and municipalities is a central pillar of HOTSPLOTS's corporate strategy. It is not only about providing IT networks, but about creating a foundation for integrating digital services into everyday life. "From smart ticket machines to digital citizen communication: Our IT infrastructure enables the connection of various applications."
An example is the promotion of digital participation: In senior residences, public facilities, or authorities, a stable internet connection is indispensable today. "It's about enabling everyone access to the digital world - whether through barrier-free citizen services or reliable Wi-Fi in everyday life," it is emphasized.
New technological applications also play a role. Thus, HOTSPLOTS focuses on network solutions that seamlessly incorporate devices such as parking meters, monitors, or sensors. In the context of Smart Cities, such solutions are becoming increasingly important to provide, for example, parking guidance systems or real-time data for traffic planning. In addition to technological innovations, HOTSPLOTS emphasizes a solid corporate culture. "Our flat hierarchies and quick decision-making processes are an important part of our success," explains Sascha Schaub. The employees are the focus: "They are our most important asset. With the integration into the Wifirst Group, new international opportunities also open up for our team. We no longer see ourselves just as providers of WLAN hotspots, but as IT service providers that deliver comprehensive, smart solutions for the connected society of tomorrow."