Question 1

What is the difference between the Semi-Frosted and Fully Sealed pouches?

Accepted Answer

Semi-Frosted lets guests check their phone through a window without unlocking the pouch. Fully Sealed offers complete, opaque coverage for a total distraction-free environment.

Question 2

How do BTI pouches handle camera blocking?

Accepted Answer

Both pouch models physically cover the front and rear camera lenses, preventing unauthorised photography or video recording throughout the event.

Question 3

Does Face ID or biometric unlocking work inside the Semi-Frosted pouch?

Accepted Answer

No. Face ID does not work through the window of the Semi-Frosted pouch, but you can still type your passcode in for Apple Pay.

Question 4

Which pouch option is best for my event?

Accepted Answer

Events that simply require no photos or videos opt for Semi-Frosted. Shows that cannot have any voice recordings either usually choose Fully Sealed to guarantee absolute privacy.

Question 5

Can attendees still use Apple Pay, Google Wallet or digital passes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. With the Semi-Frosted pouch, contactless payments work seamlessly through the pouch material, so guests can buy concessions without unlocking their phones.

Question 6

How are emergency calls handled during an event?

Accepted Answer

Guests who receive urgent calls or notifications can step into a designated unlocking zone outside the main room to access their devices immediately.

Question 7

How do the unlocking bases work?

Accepted Answer

Unlocking bases use a high-strength magnetic release mechanism that opens the pouch latch in less than two seconds.

Question 8

Where should unlocking bases be placed inside a venue?

Accepted Answer

Bases are typically positioned at exit doors, designated phone zones and customer service desks, so access never interrupts the event.

Question 9

What happens if a venue experiences a critical safety emergency?

Accepted Answer

In a safety emergency, staff are instructed to evacuate everyone safely and not to depouch phones until it is safe to do so. Organisers are not charged the replacement fee.

Question 10

Does BTI offer full-service management or self-service options?

Accepted Answer

Both. We provide turnkey, fully staffed solutions and easy self-service rental kits.

Question 11

Can we add custom branding to BTI pouches?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Custom pouch colours, silk-screened client logos and co-branded graphics are available for enterprise accounts and recurring venue contracts.

Question 12

How many staff do I need?

Accepted Answer

Our recommendation is a minimum of two designated pouch staff per 100 attendees.

Question 13

What equipment comes included in a self-service rental kit?

Accepted Answer

Self-service kits include pouches, portable unlocking bases, full operating procedures and scripts for staff, and prepaid return shipping labels.

Question 14

How does Before The Internet differ from Yondr and other lockable pouch companies?

Accepted Answer

Unlike the rigid full-lock approach taken by Yondr and others, Before The Internet is the only company offering a Semi-Frosted option that gives easy phone access while still limiting recording. See the full comparison .

Question 15

Why choose BTI over stationary phone lockers?

Accepted Answer

Stationary lockers create severe entry and exit bottlenecks and separate guests from their personal belongings. Before The Internet pouches let attendees keep their devices in their own possession safely.

Question 16

Can BTI scale to accommodate large arena or stadium events?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Reach out for more information.

Question 17

Is there a minimum order quantity for event bookings?

Accepted Answer

Our self-service rental packages start at a low 50-pouch threshold, which makes BTI accessible for events of any size.

Question 18

How far in advance should an event be booked?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the event, we recommend placing orders two to four weeks before your event date, though rush delivery options may be available for short-notice bookings.

Question 19

What is the lead time for custom pouches?

Accepted Answer

For events over 1,000 attendees and for custom branded pouches, we require six weeks' notice.

Question 20

Where does Before The Internet offer phone-free services?

Accepted Answer

Before The Internet makes phone-free spaces accessible to anyone in North America. From New York to Los Angeles to Vancouver and anything in between, we have got you covered.

Question 21

Not sure what you need yet?

Accepted Answer

Leave your email and we will work it out with you. No date, no headcount, no commitment.

Phone pouch questions, answered

Pouch options and device access