The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf goes 'wireless'

Mr. Ismail Akil Abbasi, Chief Executive Officer DUBTRADE LLC, the licensed franchisee of CBTL in the UAE, said: "Internet usage in the UAE has been projected to be the highest in the region by 2005. Offering wireless-enabled networks to our patrons is in line with the growing interest in hotspots that allows cable-free access to Internet through Wi-Fi devices. Enabling the CBTL outlets with wireless communication devices is also testimony to our commitment to provide value-added services to our patrons."

"Our patrons range from students to professionals and even businessmen. The Jumeirah Centre outlet is quite popular for business meetings and providing them the facility to access the internet through wireless was a logical step that we decided to take. The UAE has an increasing number of people who are spending time away from their desks and wish to have access to their email account or their corporate network. "

Without any extra charge, patrons can avail half an hour of the WLAN service, simply by ordering any beverage at the outlet. The new wireless hotspots solution enables patrons at the CBTL outlets to hook up to the Internet without the use of cables making it hassle-free and comfortable to use laptops or other mobile communication devices like a PDA.

"Over the last two years CBTL has established itself as a highly visible brand serving quality products to its discerning clientele in the UAE. We wanted to provide people with innovative services along with our specialty tea, coffee and freshly baked items," he added.
Patrons who wish to access the Internet in one of these outlets can set their Wi-Fi device, open the web browser which will automatically redirect to the HotSpot login page and connect to the internet. The main advantage of having wireless connectivity within the outlets is that people can access the internet from wherever they choose to sit, without being restricted to a cable connection. This includes, checking mails, calling offices, accessing files on the corporate network and sending messages to clients from anywhere within the outlet.

"Hotspots or wireless connectivity is fast becoming the in-thing these days. We believe in being at the forefront in offering such advanced facilities in the leisurely ambience CBTL provides to its patrons. Although this service is currently available exclusively at the Jumeriah Centre outlet, we plan to offer it at the rest of the CBTL locations in the UAE in the near future, followed by rest of the locations around the Gulf," Abbasi said.

The cutting-edge wireless (WLAN) solution at the outlet which has been implemented by Venture Technolgies Middle East, allows an unlimited number of users to be connected to the internet at any given time. Patrons can use either Centrino laptops or wireless network cards to access the internet, should they arrive bereft of their own wireless enabled hardware.

The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf outlet at the Jumeirah Centre is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. till 1 a.m.