The Why of "Free" WiFi

WiFi is free at midprice hotels, and costs as much as $19.95 a day (plus tax) at expensive ones. A New York Times piece investigates the mystery and blames "branding agreements." In a 2008 survey, 49 percent of luxury or upscale hotels charge for WiFi, versus 16 percent for economy and budget properties. WiFi is most likely to be free at midprice chains, where all but 5 percent offer it free.