Comments on: Starbucks, the global connector

By: djchuang

djchuang — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 05:16:58 +0000

I had been a Tmobile Hotspot monthly subscriber for almost 2 years, and enjoyed having the knowledge that I could find a Starbucks and get a (usually reliable) WiFi connection when I travel or when I need to get out of the house. Just last week, I “upgraded” to the Tmobile “Total Internet” service, their version of Wireless Broadband, for an additional $20 per month. What I like about this “Total Internet” is this: when I’m at a Starbucks or Kinkos or DFW airport, I can login to the higher-speed Tmobile Hotspot Wifi internet connection, and when I’m not in range of a wifi hotspot, I can pop in their broadband wireless PC card, and get internet connectivity. Love it!

By: Zoobos

Zoobos — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 21:17:51 +0000

Where I live, I can’t find any starbcks with free wifi. However, I have discovered Panera Bread and the internet perfomance is quite acceptable.

By: Miguel

Miguel — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 00:40:08 +0000

The outlets here in the Philippines don't have the same connectivity provider. Most of those with WiFi are with one of the major telcos, PLDT or Globe. Those that are independent, are free. There is free WiFi at the Starbucks near my office, fortunately!

By: travis d.

travis d. — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 14:21:15 +0000

Starbucks in Ontario is partnered with Bell, Fido and Rogers and you can use the wifi and it’s just billed to your mobile bill. It’s pretty pricey for per hour usage, but it’s $25 a month for unlimited access. The connection is reliable and fast.

Personally, I prefer the cafes that are more cozy and have their own character. Unfortunately, Wifi in Canada isn’t as prolific as it is in the US. I miss 1369 on Mass ave in Cambridge, MA, where the wifi was free.

I think wifi should be used to attract new customers not to make money off them directly.

By: Jeff O'Hara

Jeff O'Hara — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 14:49:51 +0000

OM, One of my close confidants has been using Starbucks as an office for years and I often meet him there to discuss new ideas and other projects we have in the works. The baristas are always nice and i have made quite a few new friends in my endeavors to Starbucks. Granted their coffee is not the greatest, but getting out of the office to work somewhere else can often create inspiration. -Jeff O'Hara http://blog.zemote.com

By: Fred

Fred — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 13:40:12 +0000

Hi Om,

Yeah, it is certainly a security since you are sure to find one there. However, at the price of broadband connections these days, 15 coffees a months will cover the charges of the connection ;)

Salutations,

Fred

By: Om Malik

Om Malik — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 14:23:33 +0000

On the issue of prices, I agree, globally it is not-so-hot spot. However, when in a pinch and looking for an Internet connection, it is a truly global option.

By: Om Malik

Om Malik — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 14:22:15 +0000

Given how closely wifi is associated with Starbucks, they should try and take control of this asset and move away from partners like T-Mobile. While I understand the appeal of outsourcing the network, but now it is viewed as Starbucks WiFi more than T-Mobile wifi. They should try and make that experience better.

By: Fred

Fred — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 14:09:31 +0000

Hi,

Here in Quebec city Starbuck is unfortunately abscent in the landscape. However, would they be able to get clients with this “broadband” service? Except if it would be free, it couldn’t. Why? Personally I use a coffee called “Star Cafe”: free wireless cable broadband connection, coutches and a full of interresting (and beautiful) people. In fact, I live in Ste-Foy (now Quebec) where there are about 40k students in 10km spare. Here, all the coffee shops have free wireless broadband connections. One started and all the other folowed. About 1 client on 2 or 3 (depending on the period of the day) have their laptop (and there is about 100 to 200 clients at all time (open 24 hours a day) at the Star Cafe). So, if you want to sell coffee in this region, you have to give a free wireless Internet connection in your shop, otherwise you will not do business for long.

So I wonder each time I go to the US: why there is no free wireless connection in coffee shops (specially in StarBuck coffee)?

I feel lucky to have access to such great offices, am I?

Salutations,

Fred

By: LG

LG — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 12:38:58 +0000

It’s also worth noting (I don’t know if it’s the same in the US), but each Starbucks is only provisioned with a 1.5/256kbit ADSL connection. 2 VOIP calls or one person sending a large email attachment, and the whole thing comes to a grinding halt. At $16/h, it can be very frustrating to spend 30min downloading your paltry email attachment, because the kid at the next table is bittorrenting away.