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The Starbucks/AT&T Deal To Change Perception of Public Wi-Fi?

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the more-for-free-less-for-pay dept.

ericatcw writes "According to ComputerWorld, with two hours of free Wi-Fi soon to arrive at Starbucks consumers should expect more hotspots to go free as well as more attractive bundles from the likes of AT&T, Verizon and providers. While T-Mobile is hurting, indie coffeehouses and chains such as Caribou Coffee, Tully's and others that already offered free Wi-Fi, insist they are not, saying their ambiance and superior brew will help them retain customers."

2 of 170 comments (clear)

  1. Re:I never understood the T-Mobile/Starbucks deal by vondo · · Score: 5, Insightful

    In other words, the "perception" of public wireless is already that it's free.

  2. Re:What? Americans PAY? by jwietelmann · · Score: 5, Insightful

    For every Starbucks here in the USA that charges for Wifi, there's a mom 'n' pop or local chain coffeehouse across the street that offers it for free.

    In fact, I've heard that a sure way to open a successful independent coffee shop is to open one right by a Starbucks. They've already done all the research on the location for you, and given a choice, I think a lot of people prefer to support the little guy and enjoy a less commercial atmosphere.