T-Mobile is suing Starbucks for allowing AT&T to roll out free wireless Internet access in its 7,000 cafes using T-Mobile’s lines and equipment.
Starbucks’ deal with AT&T allegedly violates its 2002 deal with T-Mobile giving it the rights to market and sell WiFi Internet access at Starbucks stores until 2009.
In the lawsuit, filed in New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan, T-Mobile also contends that “the conduct of Starbucks has caused T-Mobile monetary damages and such damages will continue should Starbucks continue its breaching conduct.”