WiFi dispels the loneliness of the single diner

The report found that 53% of respondents were happy to eat and drink alone provided they'd internet access.

The notion of dining alone in public is not so off-putting to many customers any longer thanks to the widespread availability of WiFi in pubs, cafés and restaurants according to a new report from OnePoll commissioned by O2 in the UK.

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The report found that 53% of respondents were happy to eat and drink alone provided they’d internet access to read the news, check e-mails or connect with friends.

Some 58% admitted that they’re now more comfortable alone in a public place thanks to the 24/7 nature of internet access today.
The report also found that people on their own are choosing where to visit based on internet connectivity.

In fact customers now rank the availability of WiFi above the atmosphere of a venue such that 14% believe WiFi access to be a crucial factor before they’d consider entering a pub or restaurant. 10% have changed their venue because of a lack of WiFi.
Users are becoming more focused on the quality of the overall WiFi experience with one in five even feeling frustrated or angry towards those venues that do not offer free WiFi and – a long-held contention of the editor – four in five customers don’t appreciate having to sign in with a username and password in pubs or hotels any more.

People in the UK make use of public WiFi about nine times a week and a quarter of respondents have no specific reason or purpose in going online although one-third admitted to settling arguments in the pub via going online.

Gavin Franks, MD of O2 WiFi, comments, “Restaurants and pubs are fast cottoning on to the fact people are much happier to dine alone if they can busy themselves “.

As a result O2 has seen a surge of interest from high street premises wanting to make online access as easy as possible for their customers.

The report found that 53% of respondents were happy to eat and drink alone provided they’d internet access.

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