O2 WiFi Bring FREE Wireless Internet to 167 Debenhams UK Shops

Mobile operator and ISP O2 UK (Telefonica) has signed a new deal with high street retail giant Debenhams, which will see the operators free wireless internet service being rolled out across the groups 167 shops and giving it the “largest wifi coverage of any department store in the UK“.

O2 suggests that the move will have a “dramatic effect on how people buy products in stores“, with related customers now being able to review products, view store layouts, arrange special delivers or check clothing sizes and availability without having to ask an assistant and much more.

Gavin Franks, MD of O2 Wifi, said:

“O2 Wifi has announced partnerships with leading brands in 2012. We are delighted to add Debenhams to our growing portfolio. Debenhams have realised the power of using in-store connectivity as a basis to bring innovative services to customers. We’re delighted that we are consistently being chosen as a partner by premium brands such as Debenhams. This marks a continuation of our fresh thinking that has seen the rapid growth of O2 Wifi.”

The service is already being rolled out following a “very successful” trial in three Debenhams stores earlier this year, which revealed that 20% of the retailer’s online traffic now comes from mobile devices.

Customers only need register to O2 Wifi once, which is available to everybody with a wifi capable device, and they will then be automatically connected whenever they are in range.