Starbucks today announced the selection of Google to provide the next
generation of its Wi-Fi offering for its customers. Beginning this
August, new U.S. company-operated Starbucks® stores will begin to
receive up to 10 times faster network and Wi-Fi speeds. Over the next 18
months, Starbucks will convert more than 7,000 U.S. stores to the
upgraded store network and Wi-Fi experience.
Starbucks teams up with Google to bring 10 times faster network and Wi-Fi speeds to company-operated stores in the U.S. (Photo: Business Wire)
“Every day, our customers rely on the free Wi-Fi at Starbucks to study,
work, connect with friends or just relax. We want to make sure that they
can access the web effortlessly and quickly, no matter what they’re
doing, or what device they are using,” said Adam Brotman, chief digital
officer, Starbucks. “Our goal is to continue to provide our customers
with the best in-store experience possible, and we are excited to offer
these kinds of unparalleled experiences at a broad scale.”
In addition to providing faster Wi-Fi, Starbucks and Google will also
work together to co-develop the next-generation Starbucks Digital
Network.
“Google has always invested in projects that help the Internet grow
stronger, including projects that make Internet access more affordable
and more widely available. We hope that speedier Internet will make the
time customers spend at Starbucks even more enjoyable and productive,”
said Kevin Lo, the General Manager of Google Access.
Starbucks and Google will work with Level 3 Communications, an
international telecommunications company, to bring faster Wi-Fi
connectivity to Starbucks® stores. Level 3 will upgrade existing Wi-Fi
devices and will manage in-store connectivity in more than 7,000
company-owned stores across the nation.
“Level 3 is proud to collaborate with Google to help Starbucks deliver
on an experience that echoes the needs of our more connected world,”
said Anthony Christie, chief marketing officer at Level 3. “Whether
they’re working on their laptops or searching the Internet on their
smartphones, Starbucks customers will now have access to the fastest
free connection available in any retail environment.”
About Starbucks Corporation
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically
sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with
stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer
of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to
excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks
Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in
the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.com.
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