Local Merchants Vie for Free Internet Consumers

The free Internet market in Gaston County has some new competition. According to signs and literature at the Panera Bread location which opened earlier this week on Franklin Boulevard in Gastonia, Internet access is available through a free wireless network, referred to as a "wi-fi hotspot" by some technologically savvy individuals. Fortunately for other "wi-fi"-enabled businesses, this location has not yet been added to some online directories. According to Yahoo!, other "hotspots" in Gaston County include both UPS Stores, the Fairfield Inn on Remount Road, and the Shogun Japanese Steak and Seafood Restaurant on Garrison Road. Only time will tell which businesses offering free "wi-fi" Web access will succeed, and which will fall by the techno wayside.