Big news for the coffee house crowd. Starbucks said today it will offer
free, "one click" WiFi at stores nationwide starting July 1.
Starbucks currrently offers up to two hours of free WiFi for customers
now but requires them to log in with a Starbucks card or with their
AT&T account. The new system will be available to anyone.
Starbucks is also partnering with internet search giant Yahoo on a digital network that will launch in the fall and be "unique in its content offerings, allowing customers free unrestricted access to various paid sites and services such as wsj.com, exclusive content and previews, free downloads, local community news and activities, on their laptops, tablets or smart phones."
There is some fine print to the new WiFi system. It will be only be available in Starbucks-owned stores in the U.S., and not in licensed stores, at least initially. (There were more than 8,800 Starbucks-owned stores and more than 7,800 licensed stores at last report in fall 2009; I'm trying to get an updated count).
To read the full, original article click on this link: Starbucks to offer free WiFi at stores nationwide starting July 1
Author: Eric Engleman
