| Despite Starbucks announcing the launch of free, | | | | such as the distribution of offensive materials and |
| unrestricted Wi-Fi access for customers at their | | | | damage to people or property. |
| US coffee shops from June 1, Starbucks outlets | | | | However, according to observers, Starbucks' June |
| in Phuket are still charging customers for using | | | | 1st announcement is a significant strategic move |
| their Wi-Fi connections. | | | | in the coffee shop 'Wi-Fi War', which could mean |
| The Starbucks outlets at Central Festival Phuket | | | | much greater profits than from simply charging |
| and on Patong beach road charge customers 150 | | | | individual customers to access the internet. |
| baht per hour to use their wireless connections. | | | | According to PCWorld columnist Mike Elgan, |
| Customers buy a card with scratch-off strips | | | | Starbucks will 'win the Wi-Fi War ', by giving free |
| revealing a temporary username and password | | | | wireless internet access to customers. |
| for Wi-Fi access. | | | | However, Starbucks will control the branded |
| After logging on with the username and password | | | | content see by customers when they log on. |
| on the card, a second page appears, requiring the | | | | Customers logging on to the "Starbucks Digital |
| customer to fill in more personal details before | | | | Network" will have free access to publications |
| being allowed to continue. | | | | such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York |
| KCS is the actual Phuket Starbucks hot spot | | | | Times and USA Today. Apple iTune downloads, |
| service provider. Registration on this second page | | | | restaurant reviews and a 'Wellness Channel' are |
| requires entering a full name, a passport or ID | | | | also part of the package, says Mike Elgan. |
| number and an email address. | | | | Starbucks will profit from luring customers with |
| This registration requirement (as stated on the | | | | free content, upselling through their own |
| login page) is to be "in compliance with the | | | | advertising channel, and take a share of |
| principle of the Computer Related Crime Act B.E. | | | | customers' subscriptions to the content providers; |
| 2250″, which went in to effect in Thailand | | | | a move which is expected to virtually wipe out |
| on June 10th, 2007. | | | | the smaller coffee shops competing in the Wi-Fi |
| The act outlines punishments for cyber crimes, | | | | War. |