There’s been an interesting debate going on about free vs. pay-per-use WiFi that I’ve found intriguing: the idea is to draw customers into shops at times that normally wouldn’t see much action, but at issue is whether too many people are mooching off the free service and hurting the business. A number of people have likened it to the air conditioning incentive offered by movie theaters a number of years ago. Of course, I and most other customers would probably rather have it free, but I can certainly understand shop owner’s oppositions.
Every so often, I like to head out to a Starbucks (which costs a couple bucks for the TMobile service they provide, plus a Venti cup of whatever’s brewing) or a FreshCity (where it’s free), take my MacBook, and get some work done. I find it’s often good motivation when I pick up and move to some other place – different environs give me a nice motivational push. What’s your take? Do you think offering WiFi for free at Starbucks, Panera, FreshCity, McDonald’s, and other places would be harming or helpful?
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