Google_Starbucks

Google will become the official provider of Wi-Fi at Starbucks stores in the U.S., promising to make the coffee giant’s wireless networks up to 10 times faster as the system rolls out to stores across the country. Google will also work on the next generation of the Starbucks Digital Network online experience.

The new partnership, announced this morning, is notable in part because Starbucks has been a longtime Apple partner for digital content and app promotions. AT&T has been Starbucks’ longtime wireless partner.

Starbucks says the faster wireless networks will be available in new stores starting in August, and 7,000 existing stores will be converted to the upgraded infrastructure during the next 18 months. Level 3 Communications will make the upgrades and manage the networks.

Google says the speeds will be up to 100 times faster at Starbucks in cities where it’s rolling out its Google Fiber Internet service.

More details: Google blog post and Starbucks news release.

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