Google (GOOGL -1.82%) said in a blog post today that it's bringing free Wi-Fi to all 7,000 company-operated Starbucks (SBUX 0.29%) stores across the U.S. over the next 18 months.
The company said that once the switch to Google takes place, Wi-Fi speeds will be up to 10 times faster than they are now, and up to 100x faster if users are in a Google Fiber city.
The company said in the post, "Google has long invested in helping the Internet grow stronger, including projects to make Internet access speedier, more affordable, and more widely available. The free Internet connection at Starbucks has become an important part of many communities over the years, such as in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, or for students without Internet at home who do their homework at Starbucks."
The new Google Wi-Fi connections at Starbucks will start rolling out in August.
Starbucks said it and Google will also work together to co-develop the next-generation Starbucks Digital Network. Level 3 Communications will upgrade existing Wi-Fi devices and manage in-store connectivity.
