Free wireless internet for Walkabout drinkers

Customers at Walkabout and Old Orleans will be able to access their e-mails and surf the internet while eating and drinking, after owner Regent Inns spent £1.25m on Wi-Fi.

Regent has signed a deal with telecoms company Spiritel for the next five years so its customers can gain free, wireless, internet access in its estate of over 100 restaurants and bars.

The deal also sees the Jongleurs and Bar Risa owner improve its IT security at its Borehamwood headquarters as well as its bar and restaurant estate.

Adam South, head of IT at Regent Inns, said: "The solution provides the opportunity for us to offer customers additional services quickly and cost effectively in the future."

Spiritel said the deal was the UK's largest multi-site hosted Voice over Internet Protocol deal and its biggest to date.

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By Christopher Walton

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