Starbucks chooses BT Openzone over T-Mobile in Wifi Deal
BT has signed a five year deal with Starbucks to host BT Openzone wifi hotspots throughout it’s 678 branches in the UK. The roll-out is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2009.
Both parties should benefit from the deal. BT will be keen to associate itself with the Starbucks brand, whilst the coffee chain will make advantage of BT’s huge subscriber base. Openzone is BT’s wireless internet access service, providing Wifi hotspots throughout the UK’s airports, service stations, restaurants and metropolitan centres across the UK. Openzone Wifi ‘minutes’ are also included in BT’s home broadband packages.
Good news for iPhones
In an existing deal with Starbucks, 02 customers using an Apple iPhone will be able to use Starbucks Wifi hotspots as part of their bundled monthly allowance. And by summer 2009 O2 mobile broadband dongle users will also get BT Openzone access.
The CEO of BT Openzone Chris Bruce, CEO,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 [after home and the office] to work or log on to the internet. We’re constantly looking to boost the choice of places to connect – where people want it. ”
For the last six years, T-Mobile has operated the coffee chains Wifi hotspots on a subscription or pay as you go basis. Elsewhere around the world, Wifi is offered for free in Starbucks cafes.
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This is really a good news for O2 customers
This is a clever move by Starbucks, people will be much more likely to linger and buy a second cup if they are browsing online. I was disapointed to learn that it is only avaiable for those with Starbucks loyalty cards however. I suppose it makes good business sense!