08-26-2002, 04:30 PM
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Contributing Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,228
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T-Mobile to offer WiFi access at Starbucks
http://news.com.com/2100-1033-954813.html
There are a few technical goodies in this article about how T-Mobile is working around problems with WiFi 802.11b networks and cell phones, which operate near the same frequency, but they also got into the pricing plans that Starbucks will charge customers for WiFi access as they sip their latte.
 
"T-Mobile is charging $30 a month for unlimited access, with walk-in Starbucks customers paying $2.99 for the first 15 minutes and 25 cents a minute thereafter. " OUCH! $30/mo? Or a rate by the minute? So much for casually reading the news online. Personally, I think in this case a charge by the MB would be more reasonable. Vote in the poll. How many of you would pay either the monthly charge or the $3-5 you would burn in a single visit?
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08-26-2002, 04:47 PM
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Pupil
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 42
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Hello,
this seems to be most useful during business trips - when a good hi-speed connection is usually hard to get and the connection charge can be expensed. Oftentimes I find myself needing to download some large email or file from the servers to get a job done.
T-Mobile also has prepaid plans for 120 ($20) and 300 ($40 I think) minutes. These would seem to be more reasonable from a price per minute point of view for the casual net surfer. These prepaid plans don't allow you to surf over the time limit - which can be good from your wallet's point of view.
Julio
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08-26-2002, 04:47 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 139
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$30 a month is indeed an "ouch" for anyone who's already paying for net access either for an ISP/cable modem or wireless (or both). I just can't see the value for most who would even have wireless since they most likely already have a hefty internet services bill.
I did notice that Starbucks is offering a 24 hour free pass so you can try it out before you fork over the cash, that's a nice touch.
I guess if I lived next door or right above a starbucks, it may be worth it to buy the $30 a month package and cancel my ISP.
__________________
Wes SalmonSoftware Test EngineerMicrosoft Mobile and Embedded Devices
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08-26-2002, 04:49 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 335
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Can I spell EXPLOITATION!!!!
This should be a FREE service to get me into their stores...
The maximum they should charge is 2x their cost of their 24/7 internet link / number of people using their service...
It's almost as bad as the situation where a commercial company has set up pay to use WiFi in a location where free to use WiFi is already available..... causing reduced throughput on BOTH systems.
My 2c
PJE
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08-26-2002, 04:55 PM
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Neophyte
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 3
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Amazed in Ohio
I live in a small town in Ohio and I'm amazed someone somewhere thinks this business model will work. Between my office, the local coffee shop, the library, the local community college, an assortment of other business (knowingly or not), my home and a few friendly WiFi neighbors, there are way too many spots with free access to pay this much. I image those of you in larger areas have even less trouble finding free access. A small charge to guarentee the connection might be reasonable, but, WOW, $30/month?
My 2cents
MatthewF
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08-26-2002, 04:55 PM
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Contributing Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,228
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Wes Salmon
$30 a month is indeed an "ouch" for anyone who's already paying for net access either for an ISP/cable modem or wireless (or both). I just can't see the value for most who would even have wireless since they most likely already have a hefty internet services bill.
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No kidding. $50 for broadband, $40+ for a decent cell phone plan, $20 for GPRS data on the cell phone, $40 for cable, $25 for Netflix. At some point all these "only $30 per month" type deals have to stop at my house.
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08-26-2002, 04:56 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 91
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I've spent a several times that amount during my vacation in the US on USD 12,-/hour Internet sessions at Kinko's, so I would have been happy to shell out USD 30,- for unlimited access. I would only subscribe for one month though. :wink:
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08-26-2002, 04:57 PM
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Neophyte
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 4
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Speed of connection ?
This does seem a bit pricey. Does anyone know if what the typical connection that each Starbucks will have? I wonder it is a T1 or cable or DSL? There have been times, I needed to upload a large file, and it may be worth it to do to Starbucks to do it. Although, for the pricing, I doubt I will use it unless I am out of town and there is an emergency.
Michael
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08-26-2002, 05:14 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 151
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What a rip off. $5 per hour tops. I'm supposed to buy their expensive coffee and then pay them to check my email or browse for a few minutes? Maybe they deserve something but $30 per hr is crazy.
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08-26-2002, 05:23 PM
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Pupil
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 12
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How could they keep track of who has an account, with a wireless connection? Would you have to log-on to the wirless connection, with a l/p or something... but then couldn't you just go on the Internet from there? Ahh I don't know anything about it
�MARC
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