Borders Group Inc. and T-Mobile USA Inc. today announced a partnership that will bring high-speed wireless networking access to Borders Books and Music locations nationwide.
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T-Mobile offers more than 1,600 “HotSpot” locations nationwide based on the 802.11b protocol, commonly known as Wi-Fi (Apple AirPort products are Wi-Fi compatible). With this announcement, about 400 Borders Books and Music stores will gain wireless networking capabilities, so you’ll be able to surf the Web or check e-mail from your iBook or PowerBook while you’re having a beverage or snack in the Borders cafe.
The companies indicated that HotSpot-enabled Borders locations will go online in the first quarter of 2003, with California-based stores being the first to offer the service. As with other locations, access to T-Mobile HotSpots through Borders will require users to sign up for an account and either pay as they go, pre-pay, or get a monthly plan.
T-Mobile USA Inc. is the wireless subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom AG, and in addition to high-speed broadband access the company also offers cell phones and other products and services to end users and businesses. Last year Deutsche Telekom AG acquired VoiceStream Wireless Corp. and transitioned the brand name to T-Mobile this past September.
It’s the second high-profile wireless networking announcement for T-Mobile in recent months following its August deal with Starbucks, the popular coffee chain. T-Mobile also offers HotSpots in American Airlines Admirals Club locations and select airports nationwide.