AT&T Expands Wi-Fi for DSL Subscribers

AT&T is opening up its nationwide Wi-Fi network to more than 10 million broadband subscribers, offering unlimited access at no extra charge.

AT&T has announced it is throwing open the doors of its nationwide Wi-Fi network to its more than 10 million subscribers to currently subscribe to 1.5 Mbps DSL or greater broadband service. The unlimited access will be available at no additional charge for users who sign up through the AT&T Web site, and will provide unlimited Wi-Fi access at more than 9,000 McDonald’s restaurants and more than 1,000 other Wi-Fi hotspots operated by Wayport.

“Consumers today expect and demand a premier broadband experience—including a consistent, reliable connection no matter where they are,” said AT&T’s chief marketing officer Rick Welday, in a statement. “Our priority is to keep our customers connected. Period. Extending our Wi-Fi network supports this effort—and doing so for free combines even greater value with greater connectivity.”

AT&T initially offered Wi-Fi access back in 2007 as a benefit with its high-speed broadband subscription packages. Purchased separately, Wi-Fi access would have cost AT&T broadband customers $60/year, or $240/year for non-broadband customers.

Wayport also provides Wi-Fi access for Nintendo’s Wi-Fi based gaming service and the Zipit Wireless messaging service. AT&T maintains a list of Wi-Fi locations.