Tim Hortons to offer free WiFi soon, 2000 restaurants served

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Need to check email while waiting for that double-double and an everything bagel with cream cheese? Tim Horton's has joined other popular coffee shops and will give visitors free access to wireless Internet.

Stores in Kelowna, Red Deer, Barrie and St. Catharines are currently being tested, as well as a handful of locations in Toronto and some south of the border, says David Morelli, Tim Hortons director of public affairs. Tim Hortons plans to open the service to 2,000 restaurants which will be powered by Bell's high speed WiFi.

This is great news for anyone who loves coffee and donuts (who doesn't) and who enjoys the convenience of being able access the Internet on the go. Here's hoping more restaurants get with the program.

Check the full press release after the break.

OAKVILLE, ON. - July 5, 2012 - The Internet will be more convenient than ever for Canadians on-the-go as free wireless network access becomes available at your neighborhood Tim Hortons restaurant.

Tim Hortons has begun rolling out high-speed Wi-Fi and expects more than 90 per cent of its restaurants in Canada will have wireless access by September -- just in time for the new school year.

"It's all about convenience and making life easier for our guests," said Roland Walton, Chief Operations Officer, Tim Hortons. "Free wireless Internet at Tim Hortons will help people stay connected on the road in more locations than anyone in Canada and is yet another great reason to visit one of our restaurants to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee."

Guests will easily find and log on to a restaurant's wireless network from a variety of Wi-Fi-enabled devices, including portable computers, iPads and other tablets and smartphones.

Tim Hortons has partnered with Bell, operator of Canada's largest Wi-Fi network, after a rigorous six-month testing process with multiple service providers. Results showed Bell delivered a fast and reliable service.

"We're proud of this partnership between two great Canadian brands and welcome Tim Hortons customers to the country's largest Wi-Fi network. The expansion of Bell's broadband Wi-Fi into more than 2,000 Tim Hortons locations underlines Bell's ability to deliver world-leading technology on a national scale," said Wade Oosterman, President of Bell Mobility.

Follow Tim Hortons on Twitter @TimHortons to join the conversation using #TimsWiFi and 'Like' Tim Hortons on Facebook at facebook.com/TimHortons

Tim Hortons Inc. Overview
Tim Hortons is one of the largest publicly-traded restaurant chains in North America based on market capitalization, and the largest in Canada. Operating in the quick service segment of the restaurant industry, Tim Hortons appeals to a broad range of consumer tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, espresso-based hot and cold specialty drinks including lattes, cappuccinos and espresso shots, specialty teas, fruit smoothies, home-style soups, fresh sandwiches, wraps, hot breakfast sandwiches and fresh baked goods, including our trademark donuts. As of April 1, 2012, Tim Hortons had 4,042 system wide restaurants, including 3,315 in Canada, 721 in the United States and six in the Gulf Cooperation Council. More information about the Company is available at www.timhortons.com.

Source: Toronto Star