Computerworld - Starbucks Corp. launched free wireless access at its coffee shops today, tying the deal to its card program and requiring users to agree to accept AT&T marketing e-mail.

Users who register with a new Starbucks Card rewards program -- the cards are preloaded by customers with cash or credit for in-store purchases -- will receive up to two free hours of Wi-Fi access at company stores, the Seattle-based coffee giant announced Tuesday. The two hours must be consecutive, said Starbucks.

To get the free access, customers must have a Starbucks Card, sign up with the rewards program on the company's Web site and use the card at least once every 30 days. Another requirement: Users must agree to receive up to four e-mail messages per year from AT&T Inc., Starbucks wireless provider.

AT&T broadband customers get a sweeter deal at Starbucks: They have unlimited access to wireless at the coffee company's stores.

In February, Starbucks dropped T-Mobile and inked a deal with AT&T to serve up Wi-Fi in more than 7,000 of its shops. At the time, Starbucks promised the two free hours that it delivered on today.

Starbucks was also the focal point for other recent AT&T-related news, when early last month the telecommunication company briefly offered free wireless access to iPhone owners at its 71,000 hot spots, including those it manages at Starbucks. AT&T, however, quickly pulled the free access.

More information about the free wireless access can be found in this FAQ on the Starbucks Web site.

Read more about mobile and wireless in Computerworld's Mobile and Wireless Knowledge Center.

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