Starbucks has always been a nice place to get some work done.

Wi-Fi Wants To Be FreeStarbucks is smart to stop charging for Internet access. Fancy hotels should follow suit.By Farhad ManjooPosted Tuesday, June 15, 2010, at 4:30 PM ET

 Whatever you think of its coffee, Starbucks has always been a nice place to get some work done. 


 


The stores are clean, the music inoffensive, the furniture comfortable, and the electrical outlets plentiful. And if you just need a quick pit stop to charge your phone, transfer photos to your laptop, or play a little Minesweeper, the Starbucks mermaid is always just around the corner, whether you're in Boston, Bangor or Beijing. Convenience has no borders.

Unless, of course, if you want to use the Internet. While local coffee shops have long offered free Wi-Fi, Starbucks signed up with a series of mobile providers over the years to gouge customers on Internet service. The company now offers free access for two hours, but only for customers who've recently purchased an item using a Starbucks card.