this story in Mobile Pipeline tells of the pressure for Starbucks to provide free wi-fi instead of their current deal which requires signing up with T-Mobile.
"John reports rumors that some Starbucks are being squeezed so badly by competitors that offer free access that their managers are begging higher-ups to let them provide free access."
more and more when i travel and find myself in situations where have to eat alone, i look for places with free wi-fi where i can sit and have dinner, drinks, extended coffee etc and i have to admit i've passed up starbucks on many an occasion.
a year ago, i wasn't sure if T-Mobile's decision to go heavy into wi-fi instead of 3G was the right decision, and now i'm pretty positive it was the wrong one. the wi-fi space is just too crowded - i can typically choose from a $6 day pass when i need to, or find access for free - but i will proabably change wireless providers away from T-Mobile if they don't get with the program.
Posted by Steve at November 22, 2004 12:16 PM | TrackBack