After months of giving and taking back free Wi-Fi to iPhone users, AT&T announced that all BlackBerry users will be privy to the “nation’s largest Wi-Fi network” if you have an unlimited data plan. Other Wi-Fi-enabled devices will receive the same treatment in the future.
Free Wi-Fi is also being offered to those with AT&T small business broadband plans, AT&T High Speed Internet plans and with qualified AT&T LaptopConnect plans. AT&T is also offering Wi-Fi subscriptions for $20 a month.
“AT&T is committed to providing its customers with the best connectivity at the best value,” said David Christopher, chief marketing officer of AT&T’s mobility business unit. “We have the industry’s leading
lineup of smartphones, along with the nation’s largest Wi-Fi network. It only makes sense for us to bring these unique capabilities together for our customers.”
Too bad Verizon Wireless offers no WiFi Blackberries! They completely ignore WiFi. No WiFi No Deal for me!
FYI,
Verizon will be offering about 5 to 7 wi-fi phones in the next 6-8 months, with 4 of those being blackberries. Look for it in the future. :)
PaulTT, I think you have to be a AT&T Customer anyway.
My question is SO WHAT??
I am an ATT customer, I already pay $30 for unlimited data which I get everywhere…..so what’s the advantage here since I have to have that unlimited data plan to use this.
Or maybe I can just pay $20 to use only WiFi when I happen to be in a hotspot?
Someone teach these carriers how to create real value.
CE, I think you missed the point. Before this, your unlimited data plan only allowed for access to the data cellular network (EDGE / GPRS). Now you will be able to access all of AT&T’s wifi hotspots as well, on a (generally much better throughput) 802.11 connection. Since you are already a data customer, it’s free – you won’t have to pay the $20. That option is available for folks who want access but aren’t an ATT mobility data or premium broadband customer.
Phil,
I guess I am disputing whether WiFi is as fast as GPRS. Yes, in theory WiFi is faster if you have a single user per station. But it is not that simple…..WiFi can deteriorate very quickly with a number of users. Even if not, the speed of the network is just one component. NET: It doesn’t have much of an impact on customer experience.
So given I already pay for unlimited data, I am not sure what the extra benefit is.
Mr. Funny
Attorney Mike Arrington + Boss Gail Husick + CoWrote Book Together + Gail’s Husband Brad–Webaroo Founder + Mike Endorsing Webaroo without DISCLOSING Relationship = CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Mr. Funny
Attorney Mike Arrington + Boss Gail Husick + CoWrote Book Together + Gail’s Husband Brad–Webaroo Founder + Mike Endorsing Webaroo without DISCLOSING Relationship = CONFLICT OF INTEREST
I am not a fan of BlackberryOS, why no love for us PocketPC phone users? The PocketPC based phones always seem to get the shaft in terms of support, updates, and information.
Probably because WinMo users can tether their laptops…
I asked about that, the ATT rep’s reply was basically:
“If you can somehow manage to actually get that to work, Good Luck”
Wow, this news is almost as good now as when i read it 2 days ago on BGR…
It’s not our fault you read it today when we posted it the other day.
thank u at&t!
Wi-Fi – our life