For years, there's been an urban myth of a huge pent-up demand for Wi-Fi access in cafes and restaurants. It's based on the notion people want to sip on a cappuccino while surfing the Web. Maybe it's just me but sitting in a cafe means taking a break and talking to someone or reading the newspaper. As a result, I'm far from taken with the news Bell Canada will provide Wi-Fi access at Starbucks locations across Canada. Apparently, a survey of 1,003 people - who trusts survey results anyway? - suggests 72% of Canadians would be more likely to use hotspots if they were available. I'd be more likely to drink free coffee at Starbucks if it were available. When it comes to wireless Internet access, I'm far more enthused about WiMax, particularly the mobile variety because it will offer Internet anywhere rather than being forced into a Starbucks. The way to look at Wi-Fi at Starbucks, et al is its a low-cost tool to keep a small segment of the population coming back rather than losing them to Tim Horton's where the term "double-double" is heard way more often than "Wi-Fi".
If you want a tip on where Wi-Fi access is needed and would work economically, it's hospitals. I spent four hours last week waiting while my daughter had her broken leg checked out. I would have killed - and paid - for some Internet access!