Is Free Wi-Fi To Disappear?

That's a pretty dramatic headline, but as coffee shops and other free wi-fi centers struggle to stay in business, could free wi-fi disappear long term?

Since the spring of 2008, no laptops have been allowed between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekends, unless the customer is eating and typing at the same time at some coffee shops.

The problem is some customers want to nurse a single cup of coffee over the whole day, which stops people eating says Alan Carr. "So far, this is just a New York thing, but I can see other areas following suit, or at least charging for wi-fi as happens at bookstore chain Borders Group Inc.

But in New York, the trend is accelerating among independents and Alan Carr believes this is just the thin end of the wedge - unless of course you buy a wedge of delicious looking cake to go with your coffee and computer.