In an interesting move that’s part cool and part “our network sure sucks in this town”, AT&T has launched a free WiFi program in New York City’s Times Square. AT&T customers with a WiFi capable smartphone or high-speed Internet device will be able to access the WiFi free of charge. It’s similar to how current customers can use the AT&T WiFi at Starbucks for free, but now they can get run over while they’re browsing on their iPhone while crossing 47th and 8th. Here’s a clip from the press release:
AT&T has installed Wi-Fi service in the north central part of Times Square, near 7th Avenue between 45th and 47th Street, to provide a large outdoor hotspot zone that AT&T users can access using any Wi-Fi enabled device. The AT&T Wi-Fi hotzone at Times Square is available at no additional charge for nearly 32 million AT&T customers with qualifying smartphone, 3G LaptopConnect and AT&T High Speed Internet plans.
The Times Square WiFi program will serve as a pilot. If it takes off then AT&T will deploy it in other cities. I know loads of San Francisco iPhone users that would love network congestion moved off of the mobile network and onto WiFi. While I take a fair share of shots at AT&T, I have to admit that this program is very cool.
