said by SSidlov:There are plenty of vendors of professionally installed wi-fi systems that work with the cash register systems to print out user id/passwords that are only good for a set time period, and then you're cut off from the wireless unless you buy the refill.
I've heard from my friends who install these that 15-30 minutes is the usual. It should be long enough to check email but not enough to fully recharge - I wonder if they could work in the outlet, too.....
Of course systems like those in Starbucks and UPS Stores have deals with carriers like ATT et al, and they are pay systems, too.
The cafe owner's own cheapness in installing their wi-fi setups (just a $50 router, I can do it myself) if biting them in the ass.
It is unfortunately NOT that cheap as people seem to believe.
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