Coffer Republic is offering free wireless internet access to its customers from next month.

The coffee chain estimates that its decision will prompt average savings to customers of £234 a year, as most wireless hotspots in the UK charge users around £4.50 per hour of access.

The rollout of free internet access follows trials that took place in several Coffee Republic branches over the last few months showed an increase in business volumes.

“Two of the branches in particular which trialled the service, Reading and Weybridge, had a noticeable increase in footfall, which encouraged us to take the decision to rollout free WiFi in other outlets,” said Coffee Republic’s IT manager Ian McKelvie.

Future expectations for the service include capitalising on advertising space in the service's home page, where other companies will be able to promote their brands.

Supplier Commsport is providing the service.