Cincinnati Bell app funnels nearby deals

A new mobile app, called “Connect Cincinnati,” will feed special offers and information to mobile phone users as they stroll through the region’s growing network of free WiFi hotspots.

Cincinnati Bell is signing up retail shops and other destinations to connect with potential customers using the new service that alerts potential customers with deals or other information from nearby businesses. The result is a Downtown visitor could get a push notice on food and drink specials at nearby restaurants or concert information for Horseshoe Casino or U.S. Bank Arena or upcoming event info for Fountain Square.

Users can also search the Connect Cincinnati mobile app for information on venues including the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Newport on the Levee, the Cincinnati Reds and Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati Bell customers who sign in using their email account get better deals from participating merchants and attractions.

The free Connect Cincinnati mobile app is now available at Apple’s App Store and through Google Play.

It marks the latest phase of Cincinnati Bell’s “Light Up Cincinnati” initiative, which launched in 2014 with the introduction of Fioptics gigabit Internet for small businesses and consumers. Fioptics gigabit Internet is up to 100 times faster than most broadband offerings.

“Light Up Cincinnati” also includes Cincinnati Bell’s growing network of free high-speed WiFi hotspots at major public venues and businesses around town, which are possible thanks to an innovative partnership between Cincinnati Bell and the City of Cincinnati.