AT&T Inc today announced that more than 10 million AT&T broadband subscribers will soon have free unlimited access to the company’s nationwide Wi-Fi network, the largest Wi-Fi network in the United States. The offer delivers an annual saving of $60 for AT&T broadband customers, and an annual saving of nearly $240 compared with AT&T Wi-Fi costs for consumers who do not have an AT&T broadband plan.

The enhancement plays directly into the company’s efforts to increase the value of broadband by adding more ways for consumers to stay connected to their worlds. The move also reflects the growing popularity of wireless-enabled devices — from the iPhone to PDAs — as reports claim that more than one-third of Internet users have logged on using a wireless connection from home, at work or someplace else — showing an increase in on-the-go connections1.

“Consumers today expect and demand a premier broadband experience — including a consistent, reliable connection no matter where they are,” said Rick Welday, chief marketing officer, AT&T Consumer, in the press release. “And that’s exactly what we’re focused on. 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.”

The free Wi-Fi offer will be available to new and existing customers who subscribe to any of AT&T’s broadband services with downstream speeds of up to 1.5 Mbps, 3.0 Mbps, or 6.0 Mbps. Free Wi-Fi access was initially provided to the company’s higher-speed broadband customers last year.

AT&T wireless customers who use Apple Inc.’s iPhone will now be able use their iPhones at hotspots for free if they are AT&T broadband Internet subscribers.

AT&T offers wireless Internet connectivity at more than 10,000 U.S. locations, including retail stores, restaurants and airports from coast to coast.

“AT&T’s legacy is one that has led the way in giving our customers more features and better value — a legacy we intend to keep,” said Welday. “This year, we plan to stand by this commitment by leveraging, and investing, in our network capabilities to bring new enhancements to our broadband service.”

Broadband customers will soon benefit from the free Wi-Fi offer, with qualified broadband plans, upon signing up for AT&T broadband service at a company retail store, online at Att.com or through an AT&T call center. Wi-Fi connectivity will be activated once customers receive their new broadband service and complete both the setup and the registration process as a new customer. A comprehensive list of AT&T Wi-Fi locations can be found here.

AT&T is the largest provider of broadband service, with 13.8 million broadband lines in service as of the third quarter of 2007.

Source: AT&T