Starbucks WiFi Gets Google Boost

Written by Greg Sleter

The WiFi service at your local Starbucks location may soon appear as if it’s caffeinated, thanks to an agreement between the coffee giant and Google.

According to a report by CNET, Starbucks recently announced that Google, working with Level 3 Communications, will be providing wireless Internet service at Starbucks’ U.S. locations. The service is said to be 10 times faster than the current WiFi service being provided by AT&T.

The new Google WiFi will initially be seen at new Starbucks locations over the next month. The company will then roll out the upgraded WiFi service to its remaining 7,000 locations across the country. Starbucks expects the upgrade to take a total of 18 months.

"This is obviously an important milestone in our relationship with Google," Starbucks Chief Digital Officer Adam Brotman told CNET. "We do hope this is one step amongst many that we can continue to build upon what is already a great partnership with Google."

The report said the switch to the new WiFi service stems from the needs of mobile device users and PC users to have access to faster Internet service to stream video and download larger files. Starbucks WiFi is used by millions of customers weekly and the feeling is that faster service could attract more folks through their doors.

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