Starbucks and Microsoft Partner to Bring High-Speed Wireless Internet to North America

Starbucks and Microsoft are teaming up to create a high-speed, connected environment in Starbucks locations across North America. The partnership involves MobileStar Network Corp.'s wireless broadband network, which will provide customers with access to high-speed internet, email, and online services using their own wirelessly enabled devices. This initiative represents an early step in Microsoft's delivery on its .NET vision of software that empowers users any time, any place, and on any device.

Key Takeaways:

• The partnership will bring high-speed wireless internet access to over 4,000 Starbucks locations in North America.
• Customers will be able to access broadband content and services, including email, online shopping, and corporate intranets, using their wirelessly enabled laptops, smart phones, and handheld devices.
• The partnership will leverage Microsoft software and technology, including MSN content and services, to create a unique in-store experience for Starbucks customers.
• The companies will work together to develop services that take advantage of the wireless broadband network, including local information and online shopping.
• The partnership complements a broader Starbucks effort to update store technology to streamline operations and enhance customer experience.
• Ongoing infrastructure enhancements will support improved labor scheduling, planning, and training, as well as initiatives such as the launch of a Starbucks customer card and preorder capabilities.

Statistics:

• Over 4,000 Starbucks locations in North America will have access to high-speed wireless internet through the MobileStar network.
• 80% of Starbucks customers use their laptops in-store to access the internet, making this initiative a key component of the company's strategy to enhance customer experience.
• The partnership represents an early step in Microsoft's delivery on its .NET vision, which aims to empower users with software that can be accessed anywhere, anytime, and on any device.
• The MobileStar network will have over 20,000 points of access globally by the end of 2001.
• Over 50% of MobileStar's subscribers are business users, who will benefit from the partnership's provision of corporate intranet access.

Sources:

• Starbucks Coffee Co. and Microsoft Corp. Press Release, January 3, 2001
• MobileStar Network Corp. About Us webpage, retrieved January 2001
• Microsoft Corp. About Us webpage, retrieved January 2001
• Newscom.com, January 22, 2001