Starbucks Launches iPhone Apps & Give Free WiFi To Customers

Coffee Chain Starbucks will be offering free WiFi broadband internet to its loyal customers at its premises by signing up to its rewards scheme as part of a plan to encourage more people to drink coffee.

Starbucks card holders will be able to log on for free at any branch; BT Openzone is be the broadband provider to more than 650 Starbucks Coffee houses in the UK and Ireland although the Starbucks website says that they are only four WiFi enabled stores in the UK and Ireland.

On the other hand, thousands of customers that are using BT's business and home broadband package with inclusive WiFi minutes can already use WiFi services at Starbucks (or at half a million other Openzone Hotspots) for free.

Chris Bruce, CEO of BT Openzone, said "Starbucks is giving more customers access to a great place to work or catch up over email. The agreement marries excellent in-store Wi-Fi with the highest quality coffee."

Article continues after advert

Starbucks Aficionados looking to get the card will need to register on Starbucks website and load in either £5 or 5 Euros. The Coffee giant is also planning to introduce other rewards for its customers in due course.

The launch comes as Starbucks US has released a pair of Apps for iPhone users AND Coffee lovers; myStarbucks is a traditional app in the sense that it allows customers to build their drinks on the fly, find the stores and look for nutritional value information.

The second one called Starbucks Card Mobile is essentially a Starbucks card on an iPhone. It is currently on trial in 16 selected stores in the US.

Our Comments
Starbucks are having to innovate in order to stay ahead of the competition and make sure that the recession doesn't make them vulnerable. Getting more people through the door is a good start and we're chuffed that they released a virtual loyalty card. Now THAT's great. Shame we don't buy coffee though.

Related Links
StarBucks Gives Free WiFi To Customers in its Rewards Programme
(Gaj-it)

Now There's Even an App That Lets You Pay for Coffee at Starbucks
(Readwriteweb)

Starbucks gives reward card holders free Wi-Fi
(PCAdvisor)

Starbucks offers free Wi-Fi for card holders
(Pocket-Lint)

Starbucks offers loyal customers free BT Wi-Fi
(Cable)