The study of 150 firms with between one and 250 staff found that the majority (70 per cent) believe a wireless network is essential, with 85 per cent saying it helps them improves customer service.
However, a third (35 per cent) of respondents said they had abandoned all plans to introduce Wi-Fi after a bad experience with poor network quality and reliability, with a further 23 per cent fearing a possible data security risk.
One in five (20 per cent) said they were unsure about how to introduce wireless into their existing IT infrastructure.
Netgear regional director for UK, Ireland & South Africa said the survey results were worrying, and urged hospitality businesses to look for easy-to-implement systems that deliver consistent and secure wireless access across the workplace with WPA and WPA2 support.
“With the need to stay competitive and address customer demand high on the list of priorities for small and medium-sized hospitality and leisure venues, providing both staff and customers with the means to communicate, access and share information is of vital importance,” he said.
“A resilient wireless network is a key part of this, allowing staff to respond to guests and colleagues, and take bookings or orders in a timely, secure fashion. Failure to provide wireless connectivity for visitors may mean they will spend less money while they are with you, shorten their visit and never return.”