Should Theaters Provide Free Wi-Fi For Its Guests?

[mar6411]

Wonderwaiter said "I would appreciate the free wifi for preshow and intermission. However, my phone would would be silenced (not even vibrate, because that's almost as loud) and completely out of sight during the performance."

How is appreciating having wifi for preshow and intermission being self absorbed and rude? Seems like all responders to the thread have agreed that preshow and intermission are appropriate use of a cell phone.

[jaxandmci]

Maybe they can rig the free WiFi so it only works in the bathroom stalls. Then those who need to play on their devices can go sit in there and do it, sparing the rest of us from the annoyance. Unless you are streaming video or otherwise downloading huge amounts of data onto your phone, I really can't understand the need for WiFi. Oh, is it because people are wanting to use their iPads and notebooks at the theatre? My Lord! They really ought to stay home then--or go hang out at Starbucks.

[winston89]

Let me just ask this, considering that many tablets have data plans (I understand that they are optional to get, but still) what's to already stop someone from pulling out their Ipad? I have seen people use their Ipads/tablets at shows before.

Furthermore, I can understand the whole issue with wanting to use wifi over wanting to use data. Using data costs the user money, however, if you were to use wifi it's free. Personally, if I were at a starbucks or somewhere else (where it is okay to use my phone) and wifi is an option, I almost always turn it on and use it rather then having to pay for data. Sure, using data doesn't cost me a huge super amount, but a little bit does add up over time. So, if I can save here and there I would.

[GoshGeeGolly]

sure, yes, why not . . .

[michellek45]

I disagree with some of the people here who don't think it's an age thing. I am one of the younger members on this board (20), and nearly all of my friends are constantly texting someone. Hell, we even play a game when we go out to dinner where everyone puts their phone in the middle of the table and if you answer yours before dinner is over, you have to pay for everyone's meals. And it's hard for people to ignore it. Even when we're just hanging out, people will be texting others on their phones, while they're having conversations with people who are right there. I definitely think theaters should not provide wi-fi (no need to give more encouragement), but I also think that there will be a point when my generation grows up and starts attending theater more regularly that this cell phone problem will have to be seriously addressed by house management.

[Broadway Joe]

Oh don't give me the generation bs. It's not a generational thing, it's a society thing. I've been around older people who check their cell phones during a show and I've been around older people whose cell phones go off during the show but the bigger problem is they don't even know how to shut them off.

[Jungle Red]

Worst idea since casting the original cast in the RENT movie.

Turn the phone off and enjoy the show!

[theaternut]

Taking a iPad into the theater is so ghetto and pretentious at the same time.

[backwoodsbarbie]

I saw several people taking pics on iPads at the POTO 25th anniversary celebration. So tacky!!