BT Openzone has signed a new relationship with Starbucks to provide Wi-Fi Hotspot Internet access services across the groups 650 coffeehouses in the UK and Ireland. The service will begin its roll out this week and should complete by the end of the summer.

The move means that 4.6 million BT broadband customers, including those with inclusive BT FON Wi-Fi (users freely sharing Wi-Fi with other users) minutes, plus BT Openzone users, will be allowed to email, surf the Internet or make VoIP calls at Starbucks:


BT also provides Wi-Fi access at more than 150,000 UK and Ireland locations including 12 city centres and at more than 50,000 sites overseas through agreements with other global network operators.

BT Openzone charges 15p per minute +vat for Wi-Fi Internet access, though there are various better priced bulk usage vouchers and monthly plans available too (i.e. 500 minutes for £5 a month).