Nationwide Free Wireless Internet Hotspots – Free to Businesses, Free to Consumers

February 18, 2005 (PRLEAP.COM) Business News
Los Angeles, CA – Woodland Hills, California-based FreeFi Networks announces the initial deployment of its nationwide network of free public wireless Internet, or Wi-Fi, hotspots. FreeFi offers qualified locations a fully managed wireless Internet hotspot at no cost to business owners or their customers. Target locations include shopping centers, hotels, airports, cafes, restaurants and municipal wireless Internet zones.

How do they provide the service for free? National advertising is delivered via the FreeFi Toolbar, a server-based application that launches a narrow, persistent band of content across the bottom of the user’s PC screen. Content includes national advertising, a nationwide localized city guide and downloadable media and games. FreeFi Networks’ patent-pending technology provides a unique method of displaying content while users are logged in to public hotspots. The FreeFi Toolbar appears only when the user is logged in at an affiliate location and is removed when they log out and does not utilize adware or spyware.

Participating businesses realize the benefits of offering customers free wireless Internet access, and gain a new revenue stream as FreeFi shares advertising revenue with their affiliates.

Several Togo’s Eateries, a division of Dunkin Brands, have begun to offer the FreeFi service in California. Franchisees Kelly Duarte and Greg Woepse are running the FreeFi service in their Los Angeles and Orange county stores. “We’ve had our own hotspots for a while but signed on with FreeFi since it gives us a nice way to promote our business. Customers use the wireless in our own restaurants and at nearby locations like Starbucks next door." says Mr. Duarte.

The only requirement for businesses wishing to take advantage of FreeFi’s zero-cost program is a broadband Internet connection. “FreeFi offers a fully managed hotspot solution to for no out-of-pocket cost, only a small fully refundable security deposit” says FreeFi President Larry Laffer. “It’s another option for business owners considering offering Wi-Fi as a valuable amenity with zero cost or risk.”

About FreeFi Networks:

Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, FreeFi Networks was launched by online, wireless and advertising veterans formerly with IBM, BBDO, Saatchi & Saatchi, Time Warner, Microsoft and America Online. Affiliate and national advertising inquirees may be sent to info@freefinet.com