DISQUS

VentureBeat: Starbucks rolls out free Wi-Fi, peddles its rewards cards

  • Liz · 1 year ago
    Most folks at our local Starbucks already use cards so it is a matter of registering which you have to do any way if you want to recharge them (add money). Not any extra work and now you get two hours of wi-fi!
  • rosie · 1 year ago
    free wifi in starbucks has always been available and without limits in santiago, chile. we just got our first starbucks here in argentina may 30th and it's been too packed with lines all the way to the street for me to even want to try going in, but i would figure it's the same there. it makes starbucks more appealing for foreigners who know a consistent place to go for wifi, which then leads to them buying super expensive drinks for here (or anywhere).
  • Jay Parkhill · 1 year ago
    It doesn't sound immeasurably better to me. I use(d) the T-Mobile service infrequently, but at least it was simple to set up an account once and log on whenever I needed it. I almost always bought a cup of coffee when I did.

    Now I need to buy a Starbucks card and keep cash on it- or add cash to it- first? I suppose it's only a little bit more complex, but the extra step makes me less likely to use it.

    And for a spot-on, funny description of why Starbucks' coffee sells so well, check out Malcolm Gladwell's TED talk (on spaghetti sauce and coffee). http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/20
  • jtoskey · 1 year ago
    Not better for those of us who already pay T-Mobile. This is infinitely more difficult and doesn't make me want to buy more coffee. Independent coffee shops (and pubs, and other businesses) will continue to provide truly free internet. This is simply Starbucks trying to make lemons into cabernet savignon.
  • Scott · 1 year ago
    The 2 hours in 1 sitting is the problem for me. I'll continue to go across the street or even an extra block or so to Panera Bread.