Google Wi-Fi to Replace AT&T-backed Service in All U.S. Starbucks Locations

Alan: Google is a force that cannot be reckoned with.***InternetGoogle Wi-Fi to Replace AT&T-backed Service in All U.S. Starbucks Locations
Tiffany Kaiser - July 31, 2013

  

It will roll out to all 7,000 locations over an 18-month period

Google has conquered search, email, maps, smartphone operating systems -- and now, it will take over your local Starbucks.

Google and Starbucks have announced a new partnership where all Starbucks coffee shops in the U.S. will feature Google's Wi-Fi network.

There are about 7,000 Starbucks establishments in the U.S., and Google will supply each one with Wi-Fi over the next 18 months (starting in August).

According to Google, this will make Starbucks' Wi-Fi about 10 times faster than before. For those with Google Fiber, it will be about 100 times faster.

“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.

The companies will also work with Level 3 Communications, which is an international telecommunications company that will upgrade existing Wi-Fi devices and will manage in-store connectivity.

Google has been looking to spread its Wi-Fi everywhere. Just earlier this month, it said it wanted to bring free Wi-Fi hotspots to 31 public areas around San Francisco. Before that, Google put money into free Wi-Fi in Mountain View, Calif.; Boston's South Station, and New York's Chelsea neighborhood.