Starbucks Swayed by Google's Faster Wi-Fi Service, Gives AT&T the Boot
Like an old cup of coffee, Starbucks is getting rid of AT&T as its complimentary Wi-Fi service provider and replacing it with something new and fresh. Specifically, Google will provide the next generation of wireless service to Starbucks customers, but it's not just a change in provider, it's an upgrade in speed as well.
According to Starbucks, Google's Wi-Fi service will provide its customers with up to 10 times faster network and Wi-Fi speeds than they're currently getting with AT&T. In addition, Google and Starbucks will work together to co-develop the next generation Starbucks Digital Network.
"Every day, our customers rely on the free Wi-Fi at Starbucks to study, work, connect with friends or just relax. We want to make sure that they can access the web effortlessly and quickly, no matter what they’re doing, or what device they are using," said Adam Brotman, chief digital officer, Starbucks. "Our goal is to continue to provide our customers with the best in-store experience possible, and we are excited to offer these kinds of unparalleled experiences at a broad scale."
The two firms will work with Level 3 Communications, the same company powering Netflix's streaming service, to bring faster Wi-Fi connectivity to the coffee chain's 7,000 U.S. stores over the course of the next 18 months. New U.S. company-operated locations will be the first to receive the upgrade starting in August.
According to Starbucks, Google's Wi-Fi service will provide its customers with up to 10 times faster network and Wi-Fi speeds than they're currently getting with AT&T. In addition, Google and Starbucks will work together to co-develop the next generation Starbucks Digital Network.
"Every day, our customers rely on the free Wi-Fi at Starbucks to study, work, connect with friends or just relax. We want to make sure that they can access the web effortlessly and quickly, no matter what they’re doing, or what device they are using," said Adam Brotman, chief digital officer, Starbucks. "Our goal is to continue to provide our customers with the best in-store experience possible, and we are excited to offer these kinds of unparalleled experiences at a broad scale."
The two firms will work with Level 3 Communications, the same company powering Netflix's streaming service, to bring faster Wi-Fi connectivity to the coffee chain's 7,000 U.S. stores over the course of the next 18 months. New U.S. company-operated locations will be the first to receive the upgrade starting in August.
