AT&T and Starbucks Launch Wi-Fi Rollout

April 30, 2008

AT&T Inc. and Starbucks Corp. have launched an extensive Wi-Fi service rollout at more than 7,000 company-operated Starbucks coffee shop locations across the U.S. beginning in San Antonio. Starting May 1, the two powerhouse companies will offer a mix of paid and free Wi-Fi service to their combined customers.

Free Wi-Fi for Starbucks Card Holders

Starbucks Card holders will have access to up to two hours of free Wi-Fi each day and will be able to purchase two additional hours for $3.99. A monthly subscription will also be available for $19.99 which includes access to any of AT&T’s Wi-Fi hot spots in 89 countries throughout the world. Additionally, Starbucks 100,000 plus partners across the U.S. will be given free AT&T Wi-Fi accounts allowing Internet access in Starbucks company-owned shops where it is offered.

AT&T Customers Offered Free Wi-Fi at Starbucks

AT&T’s U-Verse Internet customers and remote access services business customers will receive unlimited free access to Starbucks Wi-Fi service, and AT&T plans to offer Starbucks Wi-Fi to its wireless customers soon. With the largest Wi-Fi network in the U.S., AT&T’s partnering with Starbucks expands its hot spots to 17,000 in the U.S. and 70,000 worldwide.

12 Million AT&T and Starbucks Customers Given Wi-Fi Access

As the rollout continues market by market through the end of the year, nearly 12 million AT&T and Starbucks customers will have access to Wi-Fi service. "People want to stay connected to their world 24/7,” said Rick Welday, AT&T chief marketing officer. "Laptops and smartphones give us the online mobility we crave, and now millions of AT&T and Starbucks customers will get Internet access free from the comfort of their neighborhood Starbucks."