Coffee Republic to offer free Wi-Fi

Coffee Republic has announced it is rolling out free wireless internet access for its customers.

The retailer said that from 1 May, customers will be able to access free Wi-Fi across the majority of its 50-strong UK coffee bar estate. It said this would act as a major differentiator to other pay-as-you-go or subscription-based offers, like the tie-up between Caffè Nero and BT Openzone announced last week.

It added that Coffee Republic previously charged £4.50 per hour for pay-as-you-go wireless internet access on a laptop, mobile phone or PDA. Now that Wi-Fi access is linked to a purchase, where the customer is given a logon voucher at point of purchase, it said those who use the service for an hour a week could save themselves up to £234 a year.

Steven Bartlett, Coffee Republic's chief executive officer, said: "Until recently, customers have had little choice but to pay by the month or hour to access the internet on the move. We believe our easy and convenient free service will be well received by customers."

UK Wi-Fi hotspot and internet kiosk provider CommsPort will deliver the service following trials in several Coffee Republic bars during the last few months.

Ian McKelvie, Coffee Republic's IT manager, said: "Two of the bars in particular which trialled the service, Reading and Weybridge, had a noticeable increase in footfall, which encouraged us to take the decision to roll-out free Wi-Fi in other outlets."

The retailer will offset the cost of the free service by providing advertising opportunities for businesses that are looking to reach their target audience while online. The landing page of the Wi-Fi service will offer space to advertisers to promote their brands.

McKelvie added: "In-bar technology is the way forward. Free Wi-Fi access will help drive footfall to our bars and ultimately push sales so our focus remains firmly in continuing to deliver these solutions to the business."

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