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Like electricity, water and other public utilities, all service providers incur some expenses in providing internet access to the end user. For internet access provided through a cable / telephone line, there is a finite cost linked to buying, laying the cable and maintenance.
However, the cost of providing wireless internet access to number of users is much lower, since separate cabling need not be provided as the signals are transmitted through the air. So many organizations and retailers are able to offer free wireless access as a marketing tool to attract new customers and retain existing customers.

Some of the places where free Wifi internet access is available are :
1. Restaurants and hotel lobbies - the free internet access can be useful for doing some work after an order has been placed or while waiting for a person. However, it is implied that some money will be spent in the restaurant. In hotels which advertise free wireless hot spots, the expense is built into the room rate charged by the hotel.
2. In airport waiting lounges, free wifi access is often available for business travellers, to induce them to select a particular airline.
3. Many public libraries offer free internet access, and are funded by the government or charities. Some companies may sponsor Wi-fi hot spots in a town to increase internet usage and for free advertising.