Come On, You're Starbucks!
posted on june 21, 2003, tag: new york
Yesterday I needed to download some updates on my Powerbook, and since my connection here is still dial-up, I decided to head over to Union Square and use the WiFi access at Starbucks, since I remembered seeing signs about it the last time I was in there.
After ordering my mocha Frappuccino, I sat down at a table in the back and took out my laptop. My Airport Extreme Card instantly found a WiFi network called "tmobile" and I accessed it. I opened Software Update to start the download, but it couldn't connect. I opened Camino and I was instantly taken to a T-Mobile page on which you are given three choices for your WiFi subscription. Monthly, something else, and by-the-minute. Confused, I looked at the subscription details. Monthly was 29.95 and by the minute was 10¢ per. Really confused, I looked around me and saw four other people browsing the Internet. They were paying for it? That's crazy.
You mean to tell me that after I order a $5 drink composed of 90% water, I have to pay you 10¢ a minute to use your WiFi connection? I don't think so pal. There's no way in fuck I'm paying Starbucks, one of the most intrusive corporations in my life (there's one on both sides of fucking Union Square) money so that I can access their Internet connection. You would think they could maybe just have something like that for free, wouldn't you? I mean, Jesus, there are normal everyday people providing WiFi networks all around the city for free, but Starbucks, the megalocorporation, has to charge for it. Stupid.
Comments
There are 7 comments, comments are closed
Shawn on 06/22/2003:
My comment just got way too long:
Brendan on 06/22/2003:
I don't know what I think about Wi-Fi being free (though I don't think it should be 100% free), but I just wanted to drop a mini-rant about Starbucks. I work in an independent coffee shop in Cleveland (that has been around for a couple decades), around the corner from a Starbucks (which showed up a couple years ago). The money-hungry corporation takes customers away from us daily. Anyway, I just found out today that the only periodical they are able to carry is the New York Times, no local publications of any sort are allowed in there. I hate that company with an unbridled passion...
Vin on 06/23/2003:
Hey, I am a regular reader of your blog. And I appreciate the way your blog has been setup. More than that your posts are almost always seem interesting to me. No serious. anwaz, Juz wanted to know how you've set that 20Jun, 21Jun I mean the date header in your posts. Seems like an image. But how did you put it across in your template. Could you let me know plz...
Daniel on 06/23/2003:
http://www.maniacalrage.net/archives/2003_01.php#000217
Answer to your question :)
Ryan Powers on 06/23/2003:
I definetely think the Wi-Fi access should be free in stores like starbucks, McDonalds, etc... I think it would be a way of attracting customers, but also, buy charging they are making it more expensive for themselves, and (obviously) the customer. The store has to pay for all the databases, hardware,l etc taht goes into secruing their connection. If they just set up a $200 WAP, they wouldnt have to bring T-Mobile into it.
Also, how is it different from any other service taht comes with their store... ie Air conditioning, restrooms. neither of which are required to sell food, but they draw customers (no one wants to eat in a A/C-less or restroom-less store). and they dont charge for them. On top of that, most stores now (esp in NY) have broadband connections to the internet anyway... settgin up a WAP becomes unbelievably simple.
Finally, if Garret is drawn to starbucks for the wirelss internet... he has just bought a coffee that otherwisew would not have been sold. He didnt go because he was in the neighborhood or just off work.. he went becuase of wireless internet access... a true example of how it would attract customers.
Jen on 06/25/2003:
That is like, so weird, because when I lived two blocks from Union Square (three years ago?) there was only the Starbucks at the B&N. Where did they put the new one?
But yeah, that is pretty friggin ridiculous. You can get a "free day pass" if you want, but c'mon, let's be reasonable here.
Calvin Wei on 08/23/2003:
Well, I live a block away from Union Square (on 3rd Ave and 14th Street.... not to spoil the mood or risking being bashed here by everyone on this post... however... from their point of view, I would belive that given the kind of traffic they get everyday, if you allow free wireless access... it's gonna hurt their bussiness if people are just gonna buy one drink and stay online all day with free air conditioning? (also, their rents and pay rolls are somewhat crazy....) they can only make money when they have volume sales, thus they choose the locations like Union Square... but other than that... well.. I do value other coffee places, especially with the ones in local areas. Just thought that I wanna express another kind of view in this post to think about... two sides to everything..
Good day!