SAN FRANCISCO — Restaurants and cafes represent the fastest-growing segment of wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) hotspots, according to recent data released by JiWire, a provider of public Wi-Fi hotspot information and services. The release said 34,544 restaurants and cafes currently offer Wi-Fi access, representing an increase of 18,267 hotspots from a year ago. Restaurants and café's account for almost half of that amount.
"As Wi-Fi becomes more integrated into consumer electronics products such as digital cameras, VoIP phones and gaming devices, people have come to expect an Internet connection at all times," said Kevin McKenzie, chief executive officer of JiWire. "Restaurants and cafes have found that by offering Wi-Fi access, they are able to provide a valuable amenity to their customers and often gain a competitive advantage over other venues that don't."
Tokyo has the most restaurants and cafes with Wi-Fi access (1,037), followed by London (578) and Singapore (410). Within the United States, New York City has the most restaurants and cafes with Wi-Fi access (328), followed by San Francisco (319) and Chicago (271).
