- Free Wi-Fi - Svilen Milev
With high unemployment and a sour economy, many people are finding creative ways to save money and reduce expenses. As more people monitor their email, Tweet, text and surf the web on-the-go, staying connected wirelessly can often be an additional expense many just can't afford. But beginning today, another popular restaurant is providing free wireless Internet service to its customers.
Free Wi-Fi Launches at Starbucks
Beginning July 1, 2010, Starbucks will offer free, unlimited Wi-Fi for customers in both the United States and Canada. Partnering with AT&T and Bell, approximately 6,800 Starbucks in the U.S. and 750 Starbucks throughout Canada, will be offering the one-click, no-cost service to coffee-shop customers.
Patrons with Wi-Fi enabled devices will now have unlimited access to the Internet. Coffee lovers will be able to chat with friends, check email, surf the web or hunt for jobs at their favorite Starbucks. The new feature has no time constraints and usernames or passwords are not required.
Starbucks had previously offered a limited two-hour per day free Wi-Fi service for customers signed up for the My Starbucks Reward program. But Starbucks has been listening to its customers. According to a company press release, free Wi-Fi was one of the top requested services on the company’s website, MyStarbucksIdea. Now the new service is free – no strings attached! Customers will now be able to sip their favorite cup of Joe, Espresso or Frappuccino and stay connected with friends and loved ones for free in a comfortable environment.
Starbucks Digital Network
Starbucks, along with Yahoo!, will soon launch a new Starbucks Digital Network service sometime in the fall. This service, available only for U.S. company-operated locations, will offer unrestricted access to paid websites such as the Wall Street Journal or New York Times, exclusive content, downloads from sites like iTunes and community news, for free.
Starbucks Coffee Company
Starbucks, in business since 1971, is touted as the “premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world.” From a single coffee shop in Seattle, today Starbucks has more than 15,000 restaurants in 50 countries!
Free Wi-Fi at McDonald's
In January, McDonald's began offering complimentary Wi-Fi at nearly 11,500 locations throughout America. Like Starbucks, the nation’s largest fast-food chain previously offered two hours of Wi-Fi for $2.95. Today, no purchase is necessary and connecting to Wi-Fi is totally free.
Free Wireless at Panera Bread
Panera Bread also offers Wi-Fi hotspots in its restaurants. Panera Bread has been making freshly baked, specialty breads since 1981. With more than 1,300 bakery-café restaurants operating in the United States and Canada today, the company has been the recipient of many awards over the years.
Free Wi-Fi at U.S. Airports
Restaurants are not the only ones offering free wireless hotspots. During the Christmas holidays, Google offered travelers an extended Christmas gift – free Wi-Fi. Free wireless was offered in approximately 50 airports across the United States. Virgin America also participated in the free holiday service by providing free in-flight Internet on all its aircraft equipped with the service.
As the cost of flying continues to grow, some airports are providing free wireless service for its customers. While extra carry-on luggage, snacks and other amenities often include an extra charge, many airports now provide free wireless service to fliers on a continuing basis.
Staying connected on-the-go has never been easier with the free Wi-Fi services at the various locations listed above.
Source:
- Starbucks Newsroom Press Release, June 29, 2010. Last accessed July 1, 2010.
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway - +JaceShoemaker-Galloway is more than passionate about online safety awareness. She has devoted and dedicated over five years to Internet ...
