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When the iPhone was announced, Starbucks was one of the first companies to come forward expressing their excitement for the new, ground-breaking device. They comitted to launching WiFi connectivity for the phone in nearly all stores within a few months.

When that announcement was made, I recall that it felt like it took FOREVER for it to actually happen. Now, its just assumed that whatever Starbucks I go to will be ready to connect my iPhone (for free, for an hour, more if I use my Starbucks card within the last 30 days).

However, I think the implementation needs some work. Here’s the process:

1. Try to do something that requires an internet connection (from your iPhone, obviously).
2. Confirm that you want to connect to their WiFi spot.
3. Go to Safari to log in.
4. Enter your phone number (this is the number associated with the device you are currently holding which is attempting to connect to the network).
5. Note: Step 4 may need to be repeated, despite your correct entry of the phone number.
6. Get a web page prompt telling you you’ll get a text message shortly (no charge) with a link that will connect you.
7. Wait (results may vary).
8. Open text message. Click on link (which opens Safari).
9. Confirm that you are connected, then browse the internet for up to 60 minutes.

Don’t get me wrong … I’m not complaining about the ability to do this… just that it seems like there ought to be a way to cut this down to like … 3 steps or something. I dunno … the people at Apple and Starbucks are both smart I think they can come up with something.

… and don’t even get me started on how much I think THIS needs to happen!

Tags: easy, iphone, starbucks