Jasmine Wilson
- Airbnb's new wifi testing tool allows hosts to test their wifi and directly upload information to their listing.
- Users looking to book Airbnbs can see more accurate representations of internet amenities in listing.
- New feature rolls out as more people are looking to continue working remotely.
- See more stories on Insider's business page.
Airbnb has a new tool that allows hosts to test their wifi connection in real time and add it to their listing pages.
Over the past year, people who can stay digitally-connected to work during the coronavirus pandemic have booked Airbnb getaways. With a growing number of people wanting to opt for remote work setups, a stable internet connection has become a necessity.
The wifi testing tool, announced Thursday, allows hosts to measure their wifi speed in-app through M-Lab, a third-party wifi testing software service, and directly upload those results to any future listing for the property.
According to the tool's guidelines, the most accurate wifi readings will reflect tests done in areas on the property easily accessible to Airbnb bookers while not streaming data.
"We suggest that they go to different spots in their listing and suggest they test multiple times," said Tim Rathschmidt, a spokesperson for Airbnb, about ensuring the accuracy of their readings. "On the back end, we also take a look at the internet information of that listing specifically and make sure it matches with that test, from a location perspective," he added.
Hosts have previously been able to test their wifi independently and then input their speeds manually, but they have mainly been able to do so at their own discretion.
The new feature is rolling out in the US and will be rolled out globally.
The update comes alongside a feature where if hosts add their network information to a guest's arrival guide, Airbnb bookers can connect to the wifi right away without having to input a password, Airbnb told Insider.
Axel Springer, Insider Inc.'s parent company, is an investor in Airbnb.