FAQ: The Starbucks/AT&T Wi-Fi Deal
Tue Feb 12, 2008 12:11PM EST
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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.
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.
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Comments on FAQ: The Starbucks/AT&T Wi-Fi Deal
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2 Posted by gentlestench on Tue Feb 12, 2008 2:51PM EST Report Abuse
WiFi at Cutters Point coffee shops is also free. Sorry, no real food.
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3 Posted by krholsten on Tue Feb 12, 2008 4:26PM EST Report Abuse
http://www.wififreespot.com/ free wifi world wide -no coffee required
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4 Posted by mrhawkinsjohn on Tue Feb 12, 2008 8:58PM EST Report Abuse
Starbucks should have free WiFi service. Starbucks is crying about not making money. Give free WiFi.
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5 Posted by johnnycakes78704 on Mon Feb 18, 2008 9:40AM EST Report Abuse
Starbucks is the ONLY place in Austin that charges for use of their WiFi. Every other coffeehouse, bookstore, GROCERY store, even University has free WiFi. Their poor ability to create great tasting coffee on top of their relentless wanton desire to make the extra buck by charging for WiFi when everyone else offers it for free is why I have no desire to nor ever will go to Starbucks.
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1 Posted by wilksbl on Tue Feb 12, 2008 1:18PM EST Report Abuse
Wi Fi at Panera Bread is free and you can get real food there.