Coffee Republic to offer free Wi-Fi

Coffee Republic today unveiled plans to offer free Wi-Fi to customers at the majority of its stores from 1 May.

Around 50 Coffee Republic stores will offer Wi-Fi, which is free for 20 minutes access time as long as customers make a purchase of £2 or more. This rises to 45 minutes for a £5 spend.

Steven Bartlett, chief executive at Coffee Republic, said: "People are increasingly looking for ways to access the internet on the move, they want to lead a flexible and modern lifestyle and we need to help them do that with the service we provide."

The company claims its Wi-Fi linked to a purchase approach will save customers money compared with wireless hot-spot charges and pay-as-you-go services offered by rivals such as Caffé Nero.

The internet service will be provided by Commsport and will also allow the coffee chain to sell advertising space to third parties.

Coffee Republic claims trials have recorded an increase in footfall at wireless enabled outlets.

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