Fill 'Er Up and Log On Gas stations offer internet connections

By  CONSUMER BOB

Updated 4:01 PM PDT, Mon, Jan 5, 2009

Related Topics: B.P.

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Saving fuel has created a loss of gas-tax revenue, which is used to fund road and bridge construction.

 

Britsh Petroleum wants you to stick around for a while after filling up your tank.  The oil giant is starting to install free Wi-Fi services at it's more than 9,000 gas stations and truck stops in the U.S. and Canada.  B.P. also owns Arco.

The idea, according to analysts, is to offer an additional value to the gas fill up and at the same time encourage customers to purchase other goods and services at the station.  Besides fuel, some BP stations have on-site restaurants, video arcades and convenience stores.

"I think it's ridiculous myself," said one San Diego Arco customer, "Usually for me, I just want to come in and get my gas and leave." 

Another customer said, "I see it more as a business thing than for a regular guy who just wants to pick up some gas and go."

One industry analysts said not only can BP offer a service to their customers but the connection could also be used to promote special deals to online users.

While it seems unlikely that many customers would turn on their laptop computers at the gas station, the Wi-Fi would work with mobile phones that can connect online.

Comments (3)

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  • Heckler Tuesday, Jan 6 at 6:48 PM FLAG COMMENT So how are we supposed to get gas while idiots are playing around online at the pump. I would not use a gas station that had that option. Stupid!!!
  • Anonymous2 Monday, Jan 5 at 7:33 PM FLAG COMMENT Yeah you can't use your cell phone there either. The police are starting to write tickets for it now
  • Anonymous Monday, Jan 5 at 4:50 PM FLAG COMMENT Aren't you not supposed to use your phones while pumping your gas? Isn't there a sign on the pump that says no cell phones?

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