After giving iPhone users free access to its nationwide Wi-Fi network then pulling it away several times in the past year, AT&T has yet again opened up its network of Wi-Fi hotspots to smartphone users for free. On Thursday, the carrier announced that both BlackBerry and iPhone users would have access to all 17,000 of its locations for no additional charge.
The move is likely a counter to T-Mobile’s offer to provide G1 users with free Wi-Fi at its company-owned hotspots. Both carriers have a tumultuous history involving Wi-Fi hotspots: after AT&T took over providing Wi-Fi service at Starbucks locations from T-Mobile, the rival carrier accused it of colluding with Starbucks to offer free service on hardware it didn’t own, prior to the service transition. Owners of iPhones had offers of free Wi-Fi service extended and revoked during the battle, but now that all three parties have finally worked things out, free Wi-Fi should be here to stay.
Besides the hotly contested Starbucks turf, AT&T’s Wi-Fi hotspots include Barnes & Noble book stores, McDonald’s restaurants, as well as airports, hotels, universities and other areas.
