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Starbucks planning a 'Digital Network' with five specialized channels

Free Wi-Fi simply isn't enough these days, or at least not for Starbucks. The coffee chain giant is in the midst of developing a "Digital Network" with "premium" content to debut this fall.
Written by Rachel King, Contributor
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Free Wi-Fi simply isn't enough these days, or at least not for Starbucks. The coffee chain giant is in the midst of developing a "Digital Network" with "premium" content to debut this fall.

Just like the Wi-Fi service, the Starbucks Digital Network will be free of charge to customers when it debuts at company-owned locations nationwide in a few months.

The Network will be comprised of five channels: News, Entertainment, Wellness, Business & Careers and My Neighborhood. News options include USA TodayThe New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. Apple will be handing out free songs via iTunes, and publisher Rodale appears to be the cornerstone of the Health department with content from its various publications including Runner's World andWomen's Health.

For those just running in and out of Starbucks for a cup of coffee in the morning, this might not matter as much. For other Starbucks patrons, it's will be interesting to try out, especially since it's free! Although it could turn out to be another distraction for anyone trying to get work done on their laptops.

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