FAQ: The Starbucks/AT&T Wi-Fi Deal

Wondering if your T-Mobile HotSpots subscription is in jeopardy now that Starbucks is switching to AT&T's Wi-Fi service? Read on for the answer to that question, and more.

Q: I just signed up for a month's worth of T-Mobile HotSpot access; will I still be able to sign in at Starbucks, or am I out of luck?

A: Yes, you'll still be able to use your HotSpot membership at Starbucks. According to Moconews, AT&T and T-Mobile have signed a five-year roaming agreement, which includes HotSpot and HotSpot @Home users.

Q: When will AT&T Wi-Fi service arrive at my local Starbucks?

A: In a press release, AT&T promises that the "transition" will begin this spring, and that all 7,000-odd U.S. Starbucks will have AT&T Wi-Fi by the end of the year.

Q: What are the new AT&T Wi-Fi rates?

A: A monthly plan is available for $19.95 a month, or you can buy a two-hour block for $3.99. By way of comparison, T-Mobile charges $29.99 a month for HotSpot access with a 12-month commitment (or $39.99 month-to-month), $9.99 for a day pass, and $6 for a two-hour block. T-Mobile also offers a $5/month unlimited HotSpot plan for "portable electronics," but the choice of devices is limited to the Kodak EasyShare-One, the Sony PSP and Mylo, and a trio of Nikon Coolpix cameras. Overall, AT&T is looking like the better deal for Starbucks Wi-Fi users.

Q: Wait, I heard you'd be able to get your first two hours of AT&T Wi-Fi access for free. What's the deal?

A: Well, that depends. AT&T Broadband and U-Verse customers will get free AT&T/Starbucks Wi-Fi access,. The rest of us will be able to get our first two hours of Starbucks Wi-Fi free with a Starbucks Card (basically a pre-pay coffee card). And if you're a Starbucks employee, you get free Wi-Fi, all the time.

Q: What about my iPhone—it's on AT&T, so will I get free Wi-Fi at Starbucks now?

A: According to Macworld, AT&T hasn't announced whether iPhone owners will get free Starbucks Wi-Fi service, but it hasn't ruled it out either. At the very least, iPhone users will still be able to access the iTunes Music Store gratis over Starbucks Wi-Fi. Stay tuned.