Operator guide
Set up & start selling WiFi
From “I have fibre internet” to “I’m selling WiFi by the hour, day and week.” No networking background needed — follow it step by step.
1. How it works
NETPOA WiFi is the software that sells access, takes payment, and controls who is online. Your router hardware enforces it on the ground:
Fibre line → Fibre modem (ONT) → MikroTik router → Customers' phones/laptops
│
└── talks to NETPOA WiFi- A customer connects to your WiFi (free to join).
- They’re redirected to pick a plan and pay (mobile money), or to enter a voucher code bought from you as a cash card.
- NETPOA WiFi tells the router to let them online at the speed and time they paid for. When it runs out, they’re cut off automatically.
2. What you need
- A fibre (or other) internet connection with a modem/router.
- A MikroTik router (see §3) — the “brain.” A normal home router can’t do this.
- (Recommended) a static public IP from your ISP (see §4).
- A free NETPOA WiFi operator account.
- WinBox (free MikroTik setup tool) or a web browser.
3. Which MikroTik to buy
You need one MikroTik to start. A model with WiFi built in can be the router and the WiFi for a small site.
| Model | Good for | Approx. price (TZS) |
|---|---|---|
| hAP lite (RB941-2nD) | Testing / very small site, ~10–20 users | 70,000 – 100,000 |
| hAP ac² (recommended) | Shop, home, one floor, ~30–40 users | 150,000 – 200,000 |
| hAP ax² | Newer (WiFi 6), busier sites | 220,000 – 300,000 |
Where: local networking/IT shops or online (Jumia, etc.) — ask by name, e.g. “MikroTik hAP ac².”
Bigger area (hostel, bar, apartments): start with one MikroTik, then add cheap access points wired to it — you don’t need another MikroTik per spot.
Cabling: Fibre modem LAN port → cable → MikroTik port 1 (WAN). Customers join the MikroTik’s WiFi.
4. The static IP question
NETPOA WiFi works best when your MikroTik has a static public IP (an address that doesn’t change and is reachable from the internet). It enables instant remote disconnect and reliable router identification.
Many fibre lines are behind “CGNAT” (no public IP)
Often the provider gives a private address (starts with 10., 100.64. or 192.168.) and shares one public IP among many customers.
Check in 2 minutes:
- In your fibre modem, find the WAN IP (Status → WAN).
- On that internet, open
https://ifconfig.meand note the IP. - Same → real public IP 👍. Different → you’re behind CGNAT.
| Feature | Behind CGNAT | With static IP |
|---|---|---|
| Customers buy & log in | ✅ | ✅ |
| Speed / data limits | ✅ | ✅ |
| Time-based cut-off | ✅ | ✅ |
| Instant remote disconnect | ❌ | ✅ |
You can start and run the business behind CGNAT — the core works. To get a static IP, call your ISP and ask for a “static / fixed public IP” (usually a small monthly add-on).
5. Step-by-step setup
Step 1 — Create your account
Go to Sign up, enter your business name, email and password. You get a 14-day free trial and starter plans.
Step 2 — Create your access plans
Console → Access Plans: set your prices, e.g. 1 Hour 500, 1 Day 1,500, 1 Week 7,000 TZS. Set speed and an optional data cap per plan.
Step 3 — Connect the MikroTik
Cable the fibre modem’s LAN port to the MikroTik’s port 1 (WAN). Power it on.
Step 4 — Get the MikroTik online
Open WinBox (from mikrotik.com) or browse to http://192.168.88.1. Log in (user admin, no password). In Quick Set, set Internet/WAN to Automatic (DHCP) so it pulls internet from your modem. Set a strong admin password.
Step 5 — Turn on the WiFi hotspot
WinBox → IP → Hotspot → Hotspot Setup. Follow the wizard: pick your WiFi interface, accept defaults, name the network e.g. “NETPOA WiFi Free WiFi” (open, no password).
Step 6 — Register your router on NETPOA WiFi
Console → Routers → Add router. It generates a shared secret and a setup script. Click Copy setup script.
Step 7 — Paste the script into the MikroTik
WinBox → New Terminal → paste the script → Enter. This points the hotspot at NETPOA WiFi for login, speed and time limits.
Step 8 — Test it
Connect a phone to your WiFi → the login page appears → enter a voucher code (Console → Vouchers). You go online, and Live Sessions shows your phone with a countdown. 🎉
6. Selling WiFi
- Cash / vouchers (works immediately): generate codes, sell as cash cards. No bank/Selcom needed.
- Online mobile money: customers pay on the portal and connect automatically (uses your own Selcom till — ask NETPOA WiFi to enable it).
7. Paying your subscription
NETPOA WiFi costs a small monthly subscription after your trial. Console → Billing: pay by mobile money, or pay in cash and it’s recorded. Unpaid accounts pause until settled.
8. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Check |
|---|---|
| No internet after paying | Is the MikroTik online (Step 4)? Did the script paste without errors (Step 7)? |
| Login page doesn’t appear | Is the Hotspot running (Step 5)? On the hotspot WiFi? |
| “Unknown code” | Generated under this account? Typed correctly, no spaces? |
| Can’t disconnect early | Likely CGNAT (§4) — get a static IP. Time-based cut-off still works. |
| “Suspended” banner | Subscription due → Billing (§7). |
Ready to start?
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