One way for free hotspot operators to underwrite the costs of the free service would be to offer advertising or sponsorship support presented on a log-in/connect screen. In addition, the operator could do internal marketing/promotion as well on this screen.

I know that Airpath and some paid subscription services offer customizable log-in screens as part of their "hotspot" packages that are tied in with the authorization or billing process. Does anyone know how a hotspot operator offering free service could present a customizable log-in screen that the user would have to see as part of the connect process? Is there a product out there that can do this?