PRESS
RELEASE - April 6, 2004
FREE
WI-FI IS THE "SOUP DU JOUR" FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES
OLYMPIA
- As part of Zhonka Broadband's unique "Surfbreak" program, innovative businesses
around the Puget Sound are serving up free wireless Internet access for customers.
While other
companies offer "wi-fi" (short for wireless fidelity) for a charge, Zhonka's Surfbreaks
are no-cost and hassle free with no login, password, or membership required. With
diverse locations from grassy parks to late-night diners, there is a Surfbreak
location to suit most anyone's preference.
As
Zhonka's Secretary General Jacob Stewart notes, "It's great to see business people
and students escape the office or classroom to meet or study in cafes or parks
instead."
Zhonka,
an Olympia-based Internet service provider, introduced this unique program in
early 2003 and interest quickly spurred expansion to numerous cafes, espresso
shops, computer stores, taverns, and public markets throughout Western Washington.
Recent
additions include coffee roasters Batdorf & Bronsons' Dancing
Goats cafe, Cafˇ Allegro's two locations near the University of
Washington, and the Olympia Farmer's Market plus a few micro-brew
taverns. A complete list - including contact information - is
located online at http://www.zhonka.net/surfbreak/.
Locations are also identified with distinctive "Free Wi-fi for
the People" posters and window stickers.
The
Surfbreak locations use high speed Zhonka DSL connections to power the wi-fi hot-spots.
A customer simply brings a wireless ready laptop or PDA to a Surfbreak locations
and "Voila!" they are online.
Dave
Olson, Zhonka's Minister of Marketing Affairs puts forth that everyone involved
stands to gain from this arrangement, "The Surfbreak program offers participating
businesses a strategic advantage over competitors who charge for use. While we
certainly enjoy the goodwill and publicity, the biggest winners in this scenario
are folks using this exciting new technology."
##
Contact:
Dave
Olson Minister of Marketing Affairs
Zhonka Broadband (360) 357-8776
