AT&T mistakenly announces free Wi-Fi for iPhone users...again

[WriteDown]

Source: CNET

For the second time in less than six months, AT&T mistakenly published a notice on its Web site indicating that Apple iPhone users would get free access to the wireless operator's more than 17,000 Wi-Fi hot spots around the country.

News of free access to AT&T Wi-Fi hot spots was reported on several blogs Friday morning after it was discovered that a notice had been posted on AT&T's Web site. The notice, which was still live at 8:30 a.m. PDT but then was removed by 9:30 a.m., said:

"AT&T knows Wi-Fi is hot, and free Wi-Fi even hotter, which is why we are proud to offer iPhone customers free access to the nation's largest Wi-Fi hot-spot network with more than 17,000 hot spots, including Starbucks. Now users can relax and access music, e-mail, and Web browsing services with their favorite blend in hand from the comfort of their favorite location."

But Wes Warnock, an AT&T spokesman, told CNET News that the notice was published in error....


Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-9994170-94.html?tag=cnetfd.mt

---

Maybe I won't be saving up for an iphone. Ridiculous. Looks like a bait and switch.

[geomon666]

1. Why would you want to sign up with AT&T anyway?

They happily hand over customer information to the government even before congress made it legal.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

2. Aren't they the only provider for the iphone?

I may be wrong on that, but I thought that was what I read.

[geomon666]

7. Yes they are.

For once I'd just like my faith in humanity restored by having people think of their freedoms more than their conveniences.

[dipsydoodle]

8. Not if you get the 'phone unlocked.

Seek and you will find.

[AndyTiedye]

18. Unlocking Your iPhone Won't Let You Use it On Sprint

The iPhone is GSM, Sprint is CDMA. Different modulation techniques. Different hardware.

[dipsydoodle]

22. We got four GSM providors

in the UK so its less of an issue.

[AndyTiedye]

17. Verizon is No Better Than AT&T, and They Are The Only Carriers With Coverage Here

AT&T has the landlines too.
I get my internet through another carrier, but even they have to get the last-mile(s) line from AT&T.

There is no escape except good crypto.

[proud2BlibKansan]

5. Because I love my iphone

:)

[Catch22Dem]

11. Best "gadget" I've ever bought

Don't regret it for one second.

[proud2BlibKansan]

13. I got to play with one of the new ones yesterday

And really it isn't that much better. I didn't think the browser was any faster than mine on wifi. And I already downloaded all the new apps.

[Catch22Dem]

14. No, on wi-fi it's unlikely you'll notice a speed difference

The noticeable difference is between 3G and Edge.

[jobycom]

3. Nokia N95 is pretty cool, and unlocked.

I-Phone is pretty cool, too, but so restrictive.

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. I access free wifi networks with my iphone all the time

I don't understand this. :shrug:

[Clovis Sangrail]

6. I think they mean free access at otherwise non-free locations /nt

[galledgoblin]

9. heehee

it's like Poland Springs announcing that they're now offering free bottled water- if you buy one of their bottles and refill it with your tap!

[Catch22Dem]

10. Someone explain what I'm missing...I access wi-fi from Starbucks on my iPhone all the time

Or anywhere else where there's free wi-fi. I don't get it. I do the same thing with my laptop at Starbucks, McDonalds, etc...

[galledgoblin]

12. yes, but that's not an additional service that AT&T just started offering

exclusively to iPhone users. it's been around for ages.

the statement AT&T was deceptive advertising.

[Catch22Dem]

15. I suppose that's my point

I think the misconception is that Apple pulled the announcement because the iPhone can't do what it says.

[WriteDown]

19. There was no misconception....

AT&T and Apple put that announcement up for one reason. To sell more iphones. I wonder how many people were locked into 2 year contracts based on that little tidbit.

[Gman]

16. That was NOT put up in error

AT&T does NOT make mistakes like that. Ever.

[ForPeace]

20. I don't think this is an error

I've used my iPhone on WiFi at hotels where they charge you to use a laptop, but it is free on the iPhone. If you try it on a laptop it takes you to a sign-on page where you have to agree to pay etc. but the iPhone just works. Not that AT&T is providing the service - it's the hotels or other hot-spot providers that pay.

[eilen]

21. I can't at B&N Starbucks

when it comes to AT&T Wifi. I get a sign in page and they want to charge me. Hell, I can't even access Edge there, all I get is the AT&T Wifi page that prompts me to choose which plan I want-- a daily or more and they want me to buy it. When I go where the wifi is free, I don't have that problem. It was very misleading to advertise that and I hardly believe it was a mistake.

[LiberalFighter]

23. What is the likelihood that any statement they put on their site doesn't get lawyer proofed? Nada

[ForPeace]

24. Maybe the ones I have run into were AT&T hotspots

opposed to other providers. If that's the case their ad is true.