BT serves up Wi-Fi at Starbucks

21st April 2009, 10:28am

BT has today announced a new contract with Starbucks to provide Wi-Fi across more than 650 coffeehouses in the UK and Ireland.

The first stores will have the service installed this week and the roll out will be completed by the end of the summer 2009.

Today's announcement will allow 4.6 million BT broadband customers including those with inclusive BT FON Wi-Fi minutes, plus BT Openzone users to email, surf the internet or make VoIP calls at Starbucks.

O2 iPhone users will have access included within their contract, and millions of customers from iPass, Boingo and other BT Openzone roaming partners will also be able to use the service.

Starbucks will use the network to support both its public customer hotspots and store operations systems.

Chris Bruce, CEO, BT Openzone said: "Starbucks is the perfect place to work or catch up over email. Use of our Wi-Fi doubled last year and coffee shops are increasingly popular as a third place to work or log on to the internet. We're constantly looking to boost the choice of places to connect – where people want it. The location of Starbucks stores in the high street and travel hubs is helping to extend the reach of Wi-Fi to customers."

"At Starbucks, we are continually looking for new ways to develop our in-store offerings for our customers, and this new relationship with BT, provides an enhanced customer experience." Robert Teagle, EMEA IT director Starbucks. "As we continue to develop our technology strategies this relationship will strengthen the Starbucks Experience and amplify our stores as a must-go location for our customers."

BT also provides Wi-Fi access at more than 150,000 UK & Ireland locations including 12 city centres, the Hilton, Thistle and Ramada Jarvis hotel chains, BA lounges, Welcome Break motorway service stations, independent commercial and residential hotspots.

Related Articles:

• 22 Jul 2009 - Recession-hit Starbucks beats quarterly expectations
• 04 Jun 2009 - Starbucks wins barista's tips appeal
• 06 Mar 2009 - Coffee chains serve healthy eating commitments
• 10 Feb 2009 - Starbucks launches 'value' offer
• 29 Jan 2009 - Starbucks' profits plunge by 69%
• 11 Nov 2008 - Starbucks fourth quarter profits wiped out
• 04 May 2007 - WI-FI BRINGS A BUSINESS BOOST

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