For Immediate Release
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IDM-AwalNet team up to offer WiFi Internet access at all Starbucks outlets in Lebanon (October  2004)

Starbucks Rolls Out IDM-AwalNet HotSpot Service, Becoming the Largest High-Speed Broadband Wireless Internet Access Network among Coffee Houses in Lebanon

Beirut, October, 2004 – High-speed wireless Internet access becomes faster, simpler and more convenient today as Starbucks Coffee, Awalnet, and IDM officially launch the IDM-AwalNet HotSpot service in Starbucks coffeehouses across Lebanon.

As easy as ordering their latte, Starbucks customers will now be able to check e-mails, surf the Web, watch streaming video or download multi-media presentations in the comfort of Starbucks via a fast, reliable standards based wireless Internet connection for laptop/notebook computers and PDAs. Customers will be able to use the IDM-Awalnet HotSpot service at all ten Starbucks stores across Beirut.

“This service is a natural extension of the Starbucks coffeehouse experience, which has always been about staying connected with people and information over a cup of the world’s best coffee,” said Yann Pavie, Managing Director, Starbucks – Middle East. “The WiFi service enhances our store environment; our regular customers have been eagerly awaiting for this service, to keep themselves connected while away from home or work,” Pavie continued.

This high-speed wireless Internet access service will operate on a pre-paid card basis; however, Starbucks customers will be able to trial this service for free, for a period of one month. This service will be featured in all Starbucks stores in Lebanon. “With the current number of connected stores, we offer customers the largest network of wireless Internet access points among coffee houses in the country,” Pavie continued.

Mahmoud I. Soubra, Vice President, Business Development and Marketing for AwalNet says; "AwalNet is constantly looking for ways to provide the most comprehensive Internet services and mobile office capabilities for our customers, and Starbucks Coffee is a perfect addition to our suite of offerings to help round out the user experience. We teamed with Starbucks Coffee because of their similar emphasis on providing a high-quality, convenient service and their deep understanding of the hospitality customer and industry needs."

"As more and more Starbucks locations now offer the IDM-AwalNet HotSpot service, our customers know they can easily find a wireless broadband connection in all the places they already go as part of their daily lives. With more than 75 IDM HotSpot locations across Lebanon, it's easy to find an IDM HotSpot whether it's around town or around the country.” Said Zakie Karam, Commercial Manager - IDM.

The IDM-AwalNet service uses standards based “Wi-Fi” technology and is easily accessible for Starbucks customers with a wireless-enabled laptop or PDA. The wireless Internet access service is reliable and fast enough to accommodate the full spectrum of applications from checking e-mail to multi-media video conferencing with a high-speed wireless connection.