Syber News

Microsoft has resorted to Bing bribery before, but now it's using free wi-fi minutes instead of cashback on shopping. The program, which actually began in September, relies on users liking Bing after trying it once, and returning to use it.

Bing and JiWire announced the program on Monday. Consumers gain free wi-fi access at participating hot spots in exchange for one search on Bing. The nationwide campaign is running in "premium" hotspots in airports and hotels to reach business travelers and affluent customers. Bing customized JiWire's existing Ads for Access platform to create a "search for access" program.

It's unclear exactly how much wi-fi access a user gets; the press release only mentions a "specified period." David Blumenfeld, senior vice president of strategy and business development at JiWire said: "We're all creatures of habit, so giving away free Internet access in exchange for one search on Bing is a great way to change user behavior."

The hot spots covered by this program were not named in the press release. The program is scheduled to run through the end of 2009.