As I transition between a false start at grad school and the acquisition of a full time job, I have developed a list of things that I will do and purchase once I am salaried.
I recently upgraded to a smart phone, the T-Mobile Dash. I bought it off of ebay as not to further extend my contract with the dated service provider. It has several options for sending and receiving data, but all except WiFi require a data plan of some sorts. Trying to catch a wireless signal while I am not at home/work is hit or miss, but I decided not to invest in the added service until I secured that J-O-B.
Having idolized the consistent strength of Starbucks coffee, I had convinced myself that remaining with T-Mobile has its hot spot perks. Once I added the data service, I would also get free wireless at T-Mobile hot spots and life would be sweet with steaming espresso beverages buzzed with blogs & email!
Whistling before I work I guess! My hope was squandered as I read through a post on adamriggins.com:
Starbucks agrees to WiFi with AT&T – still not free for everyone though
February 11th, 2008
Almost EVERY coffee shop you go to these days that is not called “Starbucks” offers free internet to anyone who comes in. It is sort of the standard. Why is it that Starbucks, easily the largest chain of coffee shops, charges for internet? Sure, now if you are an AT&T customer, it will be free for you, but big deal. Make it free like everyone else!
All in all after reading the linked story, T-Mobile lost the Starbucks account. Grrrr….!
February 16, 2008 at 2:56 am
That really is a pretty good phone. After typing that post, I heard on a podcast I listen to that although AT&T will be the WiFi provider, T-Mobile customers will still be able to use it for another 5 years (or something crazy like that). So, maybe all hope is not lost yet!
February 16, 2008 at 12:08 pm
That certainly is good to hear. I will cross my fingers — but I won’t hold my breath. Thanks for the update.