Starbucks to Provide BT Wi-Fi Hotspot Services
A recent announcement from BT has thrilled the mobile broadband users of the UK, and it is all about the telecom giant of Britain partnering with Starbuck coffee shop chain to deliver BT Openzone Wi-Fi hotspot services through all its 678 outlets. Significant news here is that all O2 Apple iPhone users could gain free Wi-Fi access owing to their monthly allowance.
Previously, Starbuck coffee house chain had partnered with T-Mobile for a long six years, which is replaced by the present tie up. The Starbucks is known for providing Wi-Fi access via its UK and Ireland locations that collectively amounts to more than 150,000. The new development is believed to provide more than 4.6 million broadband customers of BT inclusive of those on BT Fon Wi-Fi surf the internet, email and make VoIP calls at Starbucks outlets.
Wi-Fi has recently gained much footage as against the 3G mobile broadband services, as the Wi-Fi speeds were in general quite faster than 3G, apart from offering increased stability than the 3G technology. This might simply be the reason why BT is banking on a more resilient as well as robust Wi-Fi coverage against their rivals who bank on wireless dongles.
Now for the price part, the O2 mobile users can access the hotspots by simply choosing the right Wi-Fi bolt on product, while other users are welcome to BT Wi-Fi Openzone for a mere GBP 7.34 a month. On the other hand, the regular charge of BT for accessing Wi-Fi internet is 15p a minute, although another option of GBP 5 a month for 500 minutes of surfing was always open.
