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:
- Try to do something that requires an internet connection (from your iPhone, obviously).
- Confirm that you want to connect to their WiFi spot.
- Go to Safari to log in.
- Enter your phone number (this is the number associated with the device you are currently holding which is attempting to connect to the network).
- Note: Step 4 may need to be repeated, despite your correct entry of the phone number.
- Get a web page prompt telling you you’ll get a text message shortly (no charge) with a link that will connect you.
- Wait (results may vary).
- Open text message. Click on link (which opens Safari).
- 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!
What people here are saying…