A long relationship has come to an end - and a new one has begun.  Starbucks announced that it would begin offering WiFi to its customers this spring via AT&T and not T-Mobile.

The deal will give customers two free hours of access per day with subscription services after that.  T-Mobile subscribers will still get access under a separate deal Starbucks has made with AT&T.

It all comes down to one thing: customers.

AT&T is looking to gain more customers, and Starbucks is looking to gain more repeat customers.  Sign up with AT&T wireless, internet or TV and you’ll get Starbucks access.  To access the WiFI itself, you will need to sign up to get a Starbucks Card - the one thing you’ll need to use the WiFI access at no charge.

Under the terms of the Starbucks deal, a Starbucks Card holder will get two hours of access for free. After that it’s $3.99 per session. A monthly membership will run $19.99 a month. The rollout to Starbuck’s 7000 stores begins this spring and will be completed by the end of 2008.