Facebook has teamed up with local business owners to provide free Wi-Fi hotspot access to any customer who checks-in to the business via the Facebook platform. The world’s largest social network is calling the move a “small test with a few local businesses.”

After a user logs onto the free Wi-Fi hotspot they are taken to the hosting businesses Facebook Page where they need to check in if they want to continue using free Wi-Fi connectivity.

There are perks for using the program, for example Facebook is planning to give out e-coupons. In some cases businesses might also choose to show off daily specials through their vendor page on Facebook. Individual vendors will have the option of which advertising they choose to perform.

The move could prove valuable to Facebook as the company will be able to collect more check-in data and use that information to better target potential customers for its advertisers. For example if a particular user checks-in at Petco once a week Facebook knows to target pet product ads towards that customer.

If a customer refuses to check-in business owners will still be able to provide them with Wi-Fi access for free via a requested password.

Facebook has not announced plans to launch the program nationwide.

Would you be willing to check-in for free Wi-Fi access?