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Internet and caffeine addicts, unite.

Microsoft and coffee monolith Starbucks Coffee will jointly offer high-speed Internet connections in Starbucks's stores throughout North America, the companies announced Wednesday.

Internet access will be made available over MobileStar Network's wireless broadband network, using Microsoft software and its MSN portal Web site and service, Starbucks, Microsoft, and MobileStar said in a joint statement.

The in-store wireless service is expected to launch during the second quarter and will integrate Microsoft's .Net Internet appliance strategy, the companies said. The companies did not disclose what fee, if any, users would be charged for accessing the wireless network so as to, for example, check e-mail over a skinny latte.

The companies did not disclose any financial terms of the agreement.

The partnership with Microsoft and MobileStar is part of an overall strategy by Starbucks to upgrade its operations, the companies said. Plans are in the works for a Starbucks customer card, which is intended to speed up orders, and eventually, for customers to have the ability to preorder drinks over mobile phones, the companies said.

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