AT&T has acquired WiFi provider Wayport for $275 million in cash. This adds thousands of new wireless hotspots to the company's network … and the best part is that it was recently opened to free access by iPhone users!
AT&T now has 20,000 access points in the US and 80,000 internationally (however, these figures also include roaming locations run by partner networks). Just a few of Wayport's network includes hotspots at McDonalds, Four Seasons hotels, HealthSouth, and Sun Healthcare locations adding to AT&T’s list of major hotspots that include Starbucks, Barnes and Noble book stores, and many major airports across the country.
AT&T has a interactive new map up of their WiFi hot spots.
AT&T had been working with Wayport on a contractual basis to run its existing WiFi network, but representatives say the acquisition will allow it to expand its capabilities as it brings all management of WiFi infrastructure in house.
The acquisition along with the announcement of a tethering plan, will give iPhone users a lot more options to connect, similar to the plan AT&T already has in place for its Blackberry subscribers.
Source:
AppleInsider | AT&T acquires Wayport's WiFi hotspots
11-08-2008, 11:39 AM
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