"Episode VI: Return of the WiFi". AT&T adds hotspot access for iPhones (or not?)
Have we finally come to the conclusion that we already knew? I'm speaking of the on-again, off-again trials and tribulations of included hotspot access for iPhones. Like bad prequels, people saw it and then it went away earlier this year. A few times, in fact. But now it looks to be officially official based on the AT&T Wireless page:
"AT&T knows Wi-Fi is hot, and free Wi-Fi even hotter, which is why we are proud to offer iPhone customers free access to the nation's largest Wi-Fi hotspot network with more than 17,000 hotspots, including Starbucks*. Now users can relax and access music, e-mail and web browsing services with their favorite blend in hand from the comfort of their favorite location."
I wasn't in doubt that "free" access to AT&T-affiliated hotspots would happen; it was more a matter of when. It's one the least expensive ways the company can offload some data traffic from their costly HSDPA network, while enhancing the customer experience. A win-win for both the light and the dark side, if you will.
(via iPhone Alley)
Update: Dwight Silverman spoke to an AT&T Sith Lord rep who says that the information was posted in error. I think the carrier is using Jedi mind tricks on us all at this point...
Other phones have wi-fi capability, like AT&T's own Tilt. Do they get free access, I wonder?
Posted by: Pam T. | July 18, 2008 at 07:51 AM
Kevin,
It turns out this page, too, was posted in error. AT&T just told me it's a mistake. Again.
http://blogs.chron.com/techblog/archives/2008/07/free_iphone_wifi_att_makes_it_official_for_no_1.html
Posted by: Dwight Silverman | July 18, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Yup, I saw your post and updated mine just as you were leaving the comment. Shame on all of us for believing something on AT&T's official website. ;)
Posted by: Kevin C. Tofel | July 18, 2008 at 10:21 AM