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AT&T Mobile Broadband Users Get Free Access To AT&T Wi-Fi Hotspots. Oh, But Not Apple Users

AT&T announced a great new addition to its LaptopConnect mobile broadband service: Free access to AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots (you know, the ones at Starbucks). You have to pony up $60 for AT&T's 5 GB data plan, but that nets you AT&T's HSDPA network, plus 17,000 Wi-Fi hotspots. But only if you use a Windows machine.

Note to AT&T: You almost, almost, just got me to drop Verizon on the spot. By offering up free Wi-Fi to LaptopConnect users, it negates the only reason I've thus far avoided choosing AT&T's 3G mobile data service: coverage. There are plenty of Starbucks in my area, but no AT&T 3G signals yet. Too bad you're only offering this functionality to Windows users and not Apple users.

The new service requires users to pay the maximum $60 per month for the 5 GB data plan. That's what I am already paying for the same service from Verizon Wireless. Adding the hotspots makes it a sweet deal.

"The combination of the nation's largest wireless and Wi-Fi networks is unbeatable," said Michael Woodward, VP of Business Mobility Products for AT&T's wireless unit in a prepared statement. "It's the ultimate in mobility for laptops -- AT&T's wireless network plus more than 17,000 Wi-Fi locations." I agree. But why not extend the service to all users?

Apparently, in order to hop onto a Wi-Fi hotspot, you have to have a little piece of software that scans for AT&T networks and lets you know when one is available. According to Macworld, this software is only available for Windows-based machines.

AT&T also offers free Wi-Fi access to qualifying broadband subscribers. The company plans to expand free Wi-Fi access to additional wireless customers in the future.

The move is obviously designed to get LaptopConnect users off AT&T's expensive 3G data network, and onto less expensive Wi-Fi. This will free spectrum on the 3G network for other users to surf the Web from their phones.

AT&T hasn't said when or if it plans to support free Wi-Fi for Apple users.

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