 |
|
Starbucks to Offer Free Wi-FiPOSTED June 16, 2010 Starbucks, the world's largest coffee chain, announced plans to offer free Wi-Fi Internet connections in all of its U.S. stores beginning on July 1. Accessing Wi-Fi will require just one click and service will be provided by AT&T. Starbucks joins a growing list of chains offering free wireless Internet to customers including McDonald's, Panera Bread, Borders and Barnes and Noble stores. CEO and founder Howard Schultz also revealed plans for a new online customer experience called the Starbucks Digital Network, in partnership with Yahoo!, which will debut later this fall. This online experience – available only in U.S. company operated Starbucks stores – will be unique in its content offerings, allowing customers free unrestricted access to various paid sites and services such as wsj.com, exclusive content and previews, free downloads, local community news and activities, on their laptops, tablets or smart phones. Driven by Digital Ventures, a new business unit within Starbucks led by CIO and General Manager, Digital Ventures, Stephen Gillett, the Starbucks Digital Network in partnership with Yahoo opens up a new customer experience, while at the same time appeals to leading online content providers and provides a new channel for customer engagement. Launch content providers will include iTunes, The New York Times, Patch, USA TODAY, The Wall Street Journal, Yahoo and ZAGAT. Starbucks has over 6,500 stores in the U.S. and more than 16,000 worldwide.
© Copyright SVDaily.com |
|