Microsoft, Starbucks team on wireless 'Net services

Internet and caffeine addicts unite. Microsoft and coffee monolith Starbucks Coffee Co. have agreed to jointly offer high speed Internet connections in Starbucks' stores throughout North America, the companies announced Wednesday.

Internet access will be made available over MobileStar Network Corp.'s wireless broadband network, using Microsoft software and its MSN portal Web site and service, Starbucks, Microsoft and MobileStar said in a joint statement. The companies did not disclose any financial terms of the agreement.

The in-store wireless service is expected to launch during the second quarter and will integrate Microsoft's .Net Internet appliance strategy, the companies said. The companies did not disclose what fee, if any, users would be charged for accessing the wireless network so as to, for example, check e-mail over a skinny latte.

The partnership with Microsoft and MobileStar is part of an overall strategy by Starbucks to upgrade its operations, the companies said. Plans are in the works for a Starbucks customer card, which are intended to speed up orders, and eventually, the ability to preorder drinks over mobile phones, the companies said.

Microsoft, in Redmond, Wash., is at www.microsoft.com/. Starbucks, in Seattle, is at www.starbucks.com/. MobileStar, in Richardson, Texas, is at www.mobilestar.com/.