Google has announced that it will soon bring free and faster Wi-Fi connections to all 7,000 company-operated Starbucks stores in the U.S. Beginning in August, Starbucks stores will convert to Google’s network, enabling connections up to 10 times faster or, in Google Fiber locations, up to 100 times faster than before. The conversion process will take up to 18 months.
Google’s partnership with Starbucks is an expansion of its recent efforts to connect entire communities to free and faster internet. Just last week Google announced a $600,000 offer to set up free Wi-Fi hotspots in San Francisco, and the tech giant already hosts free public networks in Mountain View, California, New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood, and around Boston’s South Station. Google is also working on delivering reliable, low-cost internet to previously inaccessible areas.
When Google Wi-Fi is ready at your Starbucks location, you’ll see “Google Starbucks” appear in your networks list.
What do you think of Starbucks converting to Google’s internet service? Is this a smart move for both companies?