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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."

5 of 170 comments (clear)

  1. What? Americans PAY? by Shuntros · · Score: 5, Informative

    Wifi in European Starbucks has been free for a long time now. Buy a coffee, get a free wifi scratchcard. When credit runs out, go back to counter and get another one.....

    1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Panera Has Had Free WiFi For Years by cbowland · · Score: 5, Informative

    Panera Bread has had free wifi for years. You can use this page to find one near you. They typically don't hassle you even if you are camped out and not buying much.

    --

    Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day.
    Teach him to eat and he will fish forever.

  4. Re:Information wants to be free... by jac89 · · Score: 5, Informative

    Its actually 2 free hours a day, which for a one off fee of 15 dollars is really not too bad.