How important is wireless broadband becoming? Ask AT&T, which last week said it will make access to its entire US Wi-Fi network free to its broadband subscribers. That’s about 10,000 hotspots, including many airports, McDonald’s restaurants, Barnes & Noble bookstores, coffee shops and some sporting venues. For non-subscribers, access to AT&T hotspots cost upwards of $8 a day.
AT&T reported it had about 12.9 million broadband subscribers at the end of March, more than any other US broadband service. It says it has the largest US Wi-Fi network.
The move underscores consumers’ desire to be connected anywhere, not only with their PCs but also with the many Wi-Fi-enabled portable devices that are coming to market at an accelerating rate. Most notably, AT&T launched the Apple iPhone, which comes with built-in Wi-Fi and a browser. iPhone users can access the Internet over AT&T’s rather slow mobile phone network, which many consider the iPhone’s biggest weakness, in addition to Wi-Fi. SanDisk’s Sansa Connect portable music player also comes with built-in Wi-Fi, as does the Sony Mylo.
“Consumers are increasingly demanding anytime, anywhere connectivity, and AT&T is uniquely able to deliver on their need for mobility, whether it’s broadband or wireless services,” said Rick Welday, chief marketing officer, AT&T Consumer. “Providing customers with more high speed access in more places also gives us a competitive edge because we’re able to offer an on-the-go broadband experience that cable can’t match.”
For wireless networking at home, AT&T offers Wireless Gateway. A new residential gateway offer includes a free wireless gateway, after mail-in rebate or instant credit, for AT&T wireless customers who order new AT&T Yahoo High Speed Internet Pro or Elite or FastAccess Xtreme or Xtreme 6.0 broadband service.
Beginning July 6, new orders placed online for AT&T Yahoo High Speed Internet Pro or Elite or new FastAccess Xtreme or Xtreme 6.0 will qualify for a free wireless gateway after mail-in rebate or instant credit.