Starbucks Opens Up To AT&T

Connecting laptops, iPhones, and other wireless devices will soon be a little easier for many consumers. AT&T has announced a partnership with Starbucks that will create WiFi hotspots in more than 7,000 coffee shops across the country. In doing so, Starbucks has ended a similar partnership with T-Mobile that had been in place for six years. The new agreement could bring smiles to many though, as AT&T’s version will be priced lower and even offered at no charge in many cases. Starbucks card owners will get two free hours per day, as will most AT&T wireless broadband customers.

As an interesting side note, AT&T is part of Boingo’s massive roaming WiFi network. This news could be a big boost for that company, which has just announced an $8 per month plan in conjunction with Sony Ericsson and is planning a similar service for the Apple iPhone. Globally, Boingo boasts 100,000 hot spots. AT&T claims to lead the pack among carriers in the U.S. with 17,000 after this new deal is completed.