Starbucks is changing its card programs next month, which has an impact on accessing Wi-Fi in its locations. It’s all actually confusing in terms of the Wi-Fi, but Glenn Fleishman at WiFiNetNews takes a crack at decoding the new deal. Essentially, Starbucks is consolidating its different card programs into one program on Dec. 26. Each drink transaction will net you a star, and five stars qualifies you for two hours of free, daily Wi-Fi. Here’s where it gets interesting:
“After five transactions, you’re boosted into the Green Level — green being Starbucks’ corporate color — and you qualify for the daily Wi-Fi allotment with no further purchases. In fact, the FAQ says that you remain active at the green level for two years following your last transaction. So those that want the two-hours-a-day Wi-Fi without purchasing drinks need only prime the pump lightly.”
When I first read that, I nearly thought that five transactions nabs the Wi-Fi for two years, but I’m not sure that’s accurate. Under the old program, my understanding was that you needed to have made a purchase or card reload within the past 30 days to have Wi-Fi access. But there’s no mention of that on the current FAQ site for the new program, so it appears that you don’t need to make a purchase to have Wi-Fi in a given day. When I frequent the ‘bux, I do make a purchase, so it’s a non-issue to me. Others may want to run through the FAQs to review this, and any other changes.
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