Starbucks offers free Wi-Fi in Canada

Let the battle for the best seat begin. Canadian coffee addicts just got one more reason to camp out for unreasonably long periods of time at their local Starbucks: free Wi-Fi.

Starting on Canada Day, more than 750 Starbucks locations across the country will offer free Wi-Fi, the company said Wednesday. More than 100 of those locations are in Toronto.

Services will be provided by Bell Canada. In the past, purchasing a drink or food item earned customers two hours of access. The new system does not require a password or user name and will be unlimited.

In mid-June Starbucks announced free Wi-Fi would be coming to the U.S. and hinted the offer would be extended to Canada.

Following the first announcement, Kenneth Hardy, professor emeritus of marketing with the Richard Ivey School of Business, said Starbucks has the problem of dealing with the evolution of their customer base, from the espresso-sipping, leisurely, chatty customer to those who want a grab-and-go experience.

Is Starbucks Wi-Fi Disappointing

I usually start my day with a visit to my local Starbucks to enjoy a few Americanos while I confirm my plan for the day. I catch up on outstanding email, scan the local newspapers and skim the various online sources for interesting tidbits of information.

You see, Starbucks is my Third Place–it’s my office away from my office and my home away from home. I spend countless hours working, meeting, socializing and daydreaming at Starbucks.

I get the value proposition at the heart of the Starbucks brand experience–Rewarding Everyday Moments. It resonates with me.

I know that this experience is the result of the visionary leadership of Howard Schultz and an organizational culture and business practices that have nurtured this compelling promise of value for customers since the brand’s inception.

The Best Cafes for Free WiFi in Toronto

The best cafes in Toronto for free WiFi must have comfortable seating and ample table space to start, but also a combination of natural and artificial light to prevent screen glare. I find an open and airy space that has music kept to a reasonable level really get the mental juices to flow. Add some tasty caffeination and snacks to keep the tummy from grumbling and we're off to the races.
While a plug for every computer is a near impossibility, plenty of outlets or a power bar goes a long way. I've heard of people who hog the lone plug, not for the electricity, but because it can spark conversation with that cafe cutie looking for power. Who knew you could geek out and hook up at the same time?
Here are the best cafes in Toronto for free WiFi.

R Squared

R Squared near Queen and Palmerston tops the list because, frankly, it's a perfect place to work. The defused natural light brightens but doesn't glare, the many tables let individuals occupy without pressure, the coffee is sensational, staff pleasant and WiFi signal strong. What's more? Real food options like healthy soups and sandwiches, and enough plugs around for you to get the charge you need to keep going for hours without having to relocate.