Recently I added the JD Wetherspoon pubs across the UK as locations for Free Wi-Fi to the Wi-Fi-Freespot Directory. They have over 600 locations that offer 30 minutes of "Free" access with a drink or food order. When you order ask for a voucher and you'll get the access code. Subsequent 30 minute blocks of free access can be had with more drink or food orders.

Some might argue that this is not true Free Wi-Fi. The actual access time is Free but you have to pay to get it. In most locations, other than Libraries, a purchase might be made voluntarily, either because you were intending to make a purchase anyway or that you felt it would be nice to make a purchase as a means of saying thank you for the Free Wi-Fi.

Requiring a purchase before being granted access is another kettle of fish, as they say. The Wetherspoon pubs are not the only locations doing things this way, but luckily they are in the minority. I guess it is a way to pay for the amenity of Free Wi-Fi but I question whether it is the best way. Granted, the pubs are in business to sell drinks and food and I guess they feel they are either using Free Wi-Fi as a lure for more business or as a reward for purchases, but there are other ways to pay for infrastructure costs. Jiwire and others offer ad supported platforms that should be considered for those looking to pay for their network expenditures, rather than requiring a direct payment from customers.

Anyway, I'll keep the Wetherspoon listing in the Directory. It may end up being the only Free Wi-Fi available in some areas, and that's better than none.
posted by Jim at 5:33 AM