O2 continues to build out its own nationwide WiFi network, and today they’ve announced a partnership with catalogue outlet Argos. They will provide O2 WiFi in 735 of the chain’s stores across
the UK and Ireland.
O2 WiFi access will be made available for free in Argos stores to all customers “regardless of their network provider”, the
operator says. The launch is timed to coincide with the start of
the Christmas shopping season.
O2’s WiFi network now boasts 9,000 access points across the UK, according to today’s press release,
including hotspots in other big high street names like Debenhams, Subway and McDonalds.
Free O2 Wifi now in over 700 Argos stores
Argos has launched free high-speed O2 Wifi in all its 735 stores across the UK and Republic of Ireland, providing customers with complementary access to the internet from their own mobile device, regardless of their network provider.
Argos serves more than 124 million customers in its stores every year who can now access extended online ranges and exclusive online deals and offers, as well as check their emails and stay connected with family and friends whilst in store.
The move is another step in Argos’ transformation journey to reposition the business as a digital retail leader, as announced last autumn.
John Walden, Managing Director, Argos, said: “We have seen strong growth in mobile transactions with sales through mobile devices now accounting for 16 per cent of our total sales. We know there is a strong appetite from our customers to have the convenience of accessing their devices on the move, in a way that suits them.
“Free high speed O2 Wifi in our stores is great for customers and it also enables our stores to provide even better customer service by sharing online content such as extended ranges, enhanced photography and even product videos with customers.”
Baroness Martha Lane-Fox, Chair of Go ON UK, said: “Our aim at Go ON UK is to make the UK the most digitally skilled nation in the world. We want to ensure that everyone has the basic online skills needed to enjoy the countless benefits of the internet.
“We welcome the approach Argos has taken in enabling so many customers to have safe access in stores across the UK. There are 16 million adults in the UK without basic online skills, and we need to work together to change this.”
Ben Dowd, Business Director at O2, said: “It’s great to welcome another leading brand on board with O2 Wifi. We’re delighted to work with Argos to deploy our state-of-the-art wifi for customers and employees, building on our existing relationship with Home Retail Group.
“Like us, Argos understands the importance of delivering digital experiences in-store to deepen the relationship it has with its customers.”
All Argos customers can benefit from O2 Wifi, regardless of which mobile or broadband provider they’re with. Customers who are already signed up to O2 Wifi will be automatically registered to the Argos hotspot when they enter any Argos store. New O2 Wifi customers can sign-up easily by selecting the O2 Wifi network in store and following the simple instructions on the Argos branded landing page. Once signed up, customers will also be able to get fast, free internet access at any of O2 Wifi’s growing network of over 9,000 hotspots across the UK.
Last year Argos became the first UK retailer to offer free online safety software which provides parents with guidance and tools to keep their children safe online. As part of its on-going Safe Kids Online initiative, the O2 Wifi in Argos stores has a protection filter system in place, which protects users from inappropriate online content.
Argos’ Safe Kids Online initiative uses Norton Family software and is available completely free of charge for parents across the UK to download via www.argos.co.uk/safekidsonline.
