AT&T together with Starbucks launched a nationwide rollout of Wi-Fi service at some Starbucks coffee shops starting with San Antonio.

The two companies said that the roll out will continue until the end of 2008.

The rollout of free Wi-Fi is currently free but starting May 1, AT&T broadband Internet and Wi-Fi customers who paid a monthly fee to AT&T will have complementary Wi-Fi access at more than 7,000 Starbucks locations nationwide.

Starbucks said that customers who have a Starbucks card for purchasing coffee and snacks will always have up to two hours of free Wi-Fi service after which $3.99 will be charged for two more hours and a monthly subscription of $19.99.

The two firms confirmed that the rollout will consist of free and paid connection options for frequent and occasional Wi-Fi users including qualifying Starbucks customers.

Starbucks added that the hot spot service in more than 5,000 of its locations will continue because the deal between AT&T and T-Mobile is different.

AT&T Coffee