AT&T Opens Wi-Fi HotSpots to Notebooks

Customers of AT&T's LaptopConnect mobile broadband service can now tap into AT&T's network of 17,000 Wi-Fi hotspots for no additional charge.

AT&T is once again expanding the pool of customers that can connect to the Internet using its network of Wi-Fi hotspots: now customers subscribed to its LaptopConnect mobile broadband offering can use AT&T’s network of 17,0000 Wi-Fi hotspots at now additional charge. AT&T operates Wi-Fi hotspots in McDonalds and Starbucks locations, as well as some Barnes & Noble locations and a few airports.

“The combination of the nation’s largest wireless and Wi-Fi networks is unbeatable,” said AT&T’s VP for business and mobility products Michael Woodward, in a statement. “It’s the ultimate in mobility for laptops—AT&T’s wireless network plus more than 17,000 Wi-Fi locations.”

The move marks the second time AT&T has thrown open its Wi-Fi network to existing customers: it also offers free Wi-Fi access at the same locations to many existing residential and business broadband subscribers. AT&T also seems to be getting ready to officially offer Wi-Fi access on its network to owners of Apple iPhones—AT&T is the exclusive iPhone carrier in the United States. The company turned on access for iPhones earlier this month…then turned it off, then announced iPhones would have free Wi-Fi hotspot access, then withdrew that information. Suffice to say—eventually—the company is likely to extend Wi-Fi service to iPhone owners.

AT&T’s LaptopConnect mobile broadband service is available for selected Windows notebooks.