StarBucks is now having Wi-Fi for Free

Coffee Bar Shop chain giant “Starbucks” announces free unlimited Wi-Fi service within their shops starting the first of July 2010. The move is the company’s way of winning back its losing clients to Mc Donalds after the burger chain offered free Wi-Fi access and cheaper coffee to customers, a marketing strategy, Starbucks gradually felt its effects to their shops.

Starting early of July, the coffee bar chain store will offer the free internet service to its valued customers for 6,700 shops state wide aiming to gain back its customers. Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz (on the Wired event) also added that in partnership with Yahoo, a new online customers experience will be showcased dubbed as “Starbucks Digital Network” (exclusive for US operated Starbucks shops) which allow users to access free to paid sites and services like WSJ.com, free downloads, exclusive previews and contents, community news and activities on their smart phones, tablets and note pads which will be expected to hit this fall. And by allowing customers to a free access to an exclusive site such as WSJ.com. Starbucks is expected to herd a new flock of customers to its renowned coffee shops.

“This is specifically about enhancing the experience, enhancing the brand, and giving people a reason to come to Starbucks and stay as long as you want,” Howard Schultz, Starbucks CEO.

The coffee bar chain recently let loose of its restriction on its in store Wi-Fi access by allowing users to register for a Starbucks loyalty card which entitles them two hours of free internet connection in a day, and a fee of $USD 3.99 for the next 2 hours.

The Starbucks and Yahoo tie-up will also carry other partners in this project to include; i-Tunes, NYT, AOL, USA Today, Patch and Zagat. Starbucks Wi-Fi service is continually be run by AT&T, which also handles other in store Wi-Fi connectivity.