Starbucks launches free Wi-Fi customer reward

by Stevie Smith - Jun 4 2008, 12:15

Hot coffee and expensive computers don’t generally mix well directly, but that hasn’t stopped bean-grinding behemoth Starbucks from tempting its multitude of ever-faithful beverage drinkers into bringing the two perilously close together via a new Wi-Fi reward card offer.

More pointedly, Seattle-based Starbucks is offering its new and existing Card Rewards customers a variety of coffee-guzzling benefits, one of which involves the delivery of up to two hours of complimentary daily Wi-Fi access courtesy of leading Internet service provider AT&T.

“Starbucks Card Rewards is a way to help you enjoy something special at a time when budgets are tight,” explained Brad Stevens, vice president of Starbucks Customer Relationship Management. “Our customers have let us know that they want to be recognized for choosing Starbucks. We’d like to thank them in simple ways that can provide value every time they visit us and use their Starbucks Card.”

The free Wi-Fi offer is open to all Card Reward members, both new and existing, across all Company-operated stores in the United States, while new customers signing up to the loyalty program via the official Starbucks Web site by July 14, will also be eligible for a free beverage of their choice.

If a free coffee and Wi-Fi access aren’t enough to successfully jolt you into joining the Card Reward scheme, then there are other associated money-saving benefits to consider, which include select complimentary syrup and milk options, hot and iced brewed coffee refills on the house, and a free tall beverage of your choice alongside the purchase of one pound of whole bean coffee. Who could resist?

The free Wi-Fi element of the reinvigorated Card Reward drive comes as Starbucks and AT&T look to make good on a partnership agreement that will see the national roll out of AT&T Wi-FiSM throughout every participating Wi-Fi enabled Starbucks coffee shop in the US. The coffee and ISP heavyweights are hoping to accomplish that aim before the close of 2008.

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