(Norman) OFF-CAMPUS WI-FI SPOTS FOR STUDENTS PLENTIFUL

OFF-CAMPUS WI-FI SPOTS
FOR STUDENTS PLENTIFUL
By Kristen Smith/The Daily
Feb. 28, 2008

Although Starbucks recently ended their partnership with T-Mobile for a contract with AT&T, the nation’s leading DSL provider, Internet access will still cost some customers, but there are other places in Norman with free Wi-Fi.

“The AT&T and Starbucks agreement brings two of the world’s most recognized brands together,” said Bridget Baker, Starbucks media relations specialist. “They both are focused on delivering digital entertainment to consumers in more places.”

The recent partnership makes Wi-Fi accessible in more than 7,000 company-operated Starbucks locations and will be available to both frequent and occasional Starbucks Wi-Fi customers, she said.

Free Internet access is available through the use of a Starbuck’s card, according to a press release.

“Customers with an active card, meaning it is used at least once a month, are able to use two consecutive hours of Wi-Fi free in our company-operated stores in the U.S.,” Baker said.

She said customers without a Starbuck’s card will have to pay $3.99 for a two-hour session.

Tori Shields, classics senior, said she goes to Starbucks on Campus Corner twice a week, but doesn’t access the Internet because she doesn’t want to pay.

“I would rather go somewhere on campus to access the Internet because it is free,” Shields said.

Stephan Easton, University College freshman, said Starbucks is ripping off customers by charging for Internet accessibility.

“There are other places that provide a good study atmosphere and offer free Internet access,” Easton said.

Hastings Entertainment, offering a similar environment to Starbucks, provides its customers with free Internet access.

Erin Cross, marketing senior, said, of all the places to study in Norman, she chooses Hastings because of the quiet study environment and free Internet access.

“As a college student without a personal income, I would prefer to go somewhere where I don’t have to pay for the Internet,” Cross said.

The new partnership between AT&T and Starbucks will benefit AT&T broadband customers, allowing them free access, said Andrew Morgan, AT&T consultant.

“The Starbucks and AT&T agreement gives more than 12 million AT&T broadband customers access to the Internet in more than 7,000 Starbucks locations,” Morgan said. “It expands the AT&T Wi-Fi domestic foot printing by more than 70 percent.”

Barnes & Noble is included in the AT&T network as well. “There are a lot of people that come into our store with their laptops to access the Internet,” said Don Bell, Barnes & Noble store manager. “If you are an AT&T broadband customer, access to the Internet is free with the entry of your AT&T account username and password.”

Like Starbucks, there is a fee to access the Internet for those who aren’t an AT&T broadband customer, Bell said.

Bell said non-AT&T broadband customers have to pay $2.95 for three hours of Internet access.

Some OU students think being an AT&T broadband customer is beneficial.
Michelle Flanagan, University College freshman, said she would go to Barnes & Noble or Starbucks to use the Internet because she’s an AT&T broadband customer.

“OU students that are AT&T customers and like to go the Starbucks or Barnes & Noble to study will benefit from free Internet access, especially because school work involves being able to access the Internet,” Flanagan said.

Wi-Fi accessibility hotspots in Norman
OU’s campus isn’t the only place to get free Internet access. There are many places that offer Internet access for free or at a small hourly price.

Free
Bison Witches Bar and Deli
Burger King
Hastings Entertainment
IHOP
La Baguette Bakery and Café
Mazzio’s
O’Connell’s Irish Pub and Grill
Panera Bread
Texadelphia

Access fee

Barnes & Noble:
$2.95 for three hours

Borders:
Must have a T-Mobile account

Starbucks:
$3.99 for two hours

Winans Fine Chocolates
and Coffees:
Free with purchase of product