TechDirt writes about how Starbucks store managers are starting to push to offer free WiFi.
It doesn't take an economic genius to figure out that charging for WiFi is a dead end model when the competition is giving it away for free. While many of the restaurants and cafes offering free WiFi are singing its praises as it brings in more customers -- especially during the off hours -- T-Mobile is stubbornly sticking to their high priced plans. It appears, however, that their major retail partner, Starbucks, may be pushing back. Apparently, some Starbucks managers are begging upper management to let them free up the WiFi, because they know they're losing business to others.Posted by jackhodgson at November 20, 2004 10:36 PM