site Search:


Home Reviews Tools Forums FAQs Find Service ISP News Maps About  
 
   
story category
AT&T Offers Free Wi-Fi To More DSL Customers
1.5Mbps customers now included in free Wi-Fi offer
by Karl Bode Wednesday 23-Jan-2008 tags: business · wireless · AT&T Southeast · AT&T Midwest · AT&T Southwest
If you're an AT&T DSL customer with a connection 1.5Mbps or faster, you've now got free, unlimited access to AT&T's network of 10,000 Wi-Fi hotspots. AT&T customers, who already got discounted access to the Wi-Fi network, should save about $60 annually from the deal. Non-AT&T customers would normally pay $240 yearly for access to the Wi-Fi network. It's a smart way for AT&T to add competitive value to their DSL service, and is a perk they were already offering higher speed (3Mbps+) customers.
Click for full size


AT&T's Wi-Fi network, which the company isn't alone in claiming is the largest Wi-Fi network in the United States, is operated largely by Wayport. 9,000 of the 10,000 hotspot locations are McDonald restaurants, but the network can also be found at most major airports as well as Barnes & Noble book stores.

A full list of hotspot locations can be found at the AT&T Wi-Fi website. AT&T users simply have to find the network (SSID: attwifi), and log in using their primary DSL or U-Verse account username and password.

Forums >

AT&T Offers Free Wi-Fi To More DSL Customers

view: topics flat text 
Post a:

odreian615

join:2006-01-18
Chicago, IL

I learned about this from their last catalog

all you have to do is go to Att freedomlinks »www.att.com/gen/general?pid=5949
page and download the connection software(slow)
permalink · 2008-01-23 12:45:04 · Reply to this ·
stunod2002

join:2003-11-07
Carol Stream, IL

Re: I learned about this from their last catalog

said by odreian615:

all you have to do is go to Att freedomlinks »www.att.com/gen/general?pid=5949
page and download the connection software(slow)
You don't need the software.. I use it all the time when traveling and I just put the SSID in my cards configuration just as if I was at home..
permalink · 2008-01-23 14:00:32 · Reply to this ·

odreian615

join:2006-01-18
Chicago, IL

Re: I learned about this from their last catalog

thankyou cause I was thinking about downloading and installing it on my laptop
permalink · 2008-01-23 14:51:29 · Reply to this ·

esc0

@swbell.net
 Does this apply to users on Dry DSL as well?

Is there a pwd after entering the SSID ( attwifi )?
permalink · 2008-01-24 08:20:36 · Reply to this ·
Qixotl

join:2002-02-08
New Milford, CT

Not really major news...

...since AT&T has offered free Wi-Fi to DSL customers since July 2007 (though you needed Pro service or better then). This is just an expansion of the old plan.

»www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4···id=24031
permalink · 2008-01-23 12:46:58 · Reply to this ·

Ark

join:2002-06-08
Ada, MI

Re: Not really major news...


Does it apply to those with "business" accounts yet? Last I heard, it did not. So if you pay 3x-4x the regular price simply to get a static IP, you don't get this perk.
permalink · 2008-01-23 13:21:54 · Reply to this ·

David
Now accepting new patients
Premium,VIP
join:2002-05-30
Granite City, IL
kudos:78
Reviews:
·DIRECTV
·AT&T Midwest
·magicjack.com
·Google Voice
·AT&T Southwest

Karl

You might need to clarify the post a bit.

your article says "faster than 1.5mbps" when on the public link says

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.
It's minor, but ya never can tell around here.

So if I had to guess here's the plans that can get it

384-1536/128-384
1536-3008/384-512
3008-6016/512-768

I don't think the up to 768/384 plan is currently covered but may be at a later date.
--
If you have a topic in the direct forum please reply to it or a post of mine, I get a notification when you do this.
Koetting Ford, Granite City, illinois... YOU'RE FIRED!!
permalink · 2008-01-23 12:53:49 · Print · Reply to this ·

93388818
It's cool, I'm takin it back
Premium
join:2000-03-14
Dallas, TX

Re: Karl

Do you have to use the connection software?
permalink · 2008-01-23 13:41:42 · Reply to this ·
stunod2002

join:2003-11-07
Carol Stream, IL

Re: Karl

said by 93388818:

Do you have to use the connection software?
Nope.. see my post above.. (right at top)
permalink · 2008-01-23 14:03:22 · Reply to this ·
SilverSurfer1

join:2007-08-19

Free Really Isn't

if deals of this nature have taught us anything, it's that "free" usually doesn't mean what you think it does. I'd be curious as to what the fine print legalese states in the TOS/AUP users no doubt have to agree to before using the service. I'd also like to know exactly what kind of personal data the Death Star asks for as a term for using the service as well. Additionally, there are caps in place that are probably invisible. Lastly, everyone seems to have forgotten that this particular provider was one of the telcos that handed over data to the NSA,and, for all we know, probably still is since the company's position on immunity hasn't changed.
permalink · 2008-01-23 12:54:06 · Print · Reply to this ·

NetFixer
From my cold dead hands
Premium
join:2004-06-24
The Boro
Reviews:
·Comcast Business..
·Vonage
·Cingular Wireless
·Comcast
1 edit

Re: Free Really Isn't

The only thing you have to supply to AT&T to access the WiFi service is the same login credentials that are required to access your DSL service, nothing more, nothing less.

If you consider that providing AT&T with your account login credentials is too big a privacy/security risk, perhaps you should consider using carrier pigeons or tin cans and string.
--
We can never have enough of nature.
We need to witness our own limits transgressed, and some life pasturing freely where we never wander.
Test your firewall.
permalink · 2008-01-23 13:48:17 · Print · Reply to this ·
SilverSurfer1

join:2007-08-19

Re: Free Really Isn't

said by NetFixer:

If you consider that providing AT&T with your account login credentials is too big a privacy/security risk, perhaps you should consider using carrier pigeons or tin cans and string.
So basically, because I ask questions first instead of bending over all nice & lubed up for AT&T this makes me the weirdo?
permalink · 2008-01-23 19:10:48 · Print · Reply to this ·

RadioDoc
Yeah, like it matters.
Premium,ExMod 2000-03
join:2000-05-11
La Grange, IL
kudos:2

Re: Free Really Isn't

In this case, yes.
permalink · 2008-01-23 19:17:59 · Reply to this ·

NetFixer
From my cold dead hands
Premium
join:2004-06-24
The Boro
Reviews:
·Comcast Business..
·Vonage
·Cingular Wireless
·Comcast
said by SilverSurfer1:

So basically, because I ask questions first instead of bending over all nice & lubed up for AT&T this makes me the weirdo?
1. Since you seem to be so anti AT&T, I find it hard to believe that you have DSL service with AT&T, so your original comment/question was a moot point.

2. Even if Mommy has a DSL account with AT&T, she probably won't give you the login credentials to allow you to use the free WiFi access, so again it is a moot point.

3. I did not use the word "weirdo", that was your juvenile interpretation.
--
We can never have enough of nature.
We need to witness our own limits transgressed, and some life pasturing freely where we never wander.
Test your firewall.
permalink · 2008-01-23 19:26:57 · Print · Reply to this ·
SilverSurfer1

join:2007-08-19

Re: Free Really Isn't

said by NetFixer:

1. Since you seem to be so anti AT&T, I find it hard to believe that you have DSL service with AT&T, so your original comment/question was a moot point.

2. Even if Mommy has a DSL account with AT&T, she probably won't give you the login credentials to allow you to use the free WiFi access, so again it is a moot point.

3. I did not use the word "weirdo", that was your juvenile interpretation.
Pontificate much?
permalink · 2008-01-24 12:12:16 · Print · Reply to this ·

esc0

@swbell.net
 I use the 2WIRE modem from ATT and all log in credentials is stored in the modem now and not on my pc. When I log into the modem I can see the username but the pwd is hidden. Anyway to uncover the pwd. Thanks in advance.
permalink · 2008-01-24 08:21:12 · Reply to this ·

RadioDoc
Yeah, like it matters.
Premium,ExMod 2000-03
join:2000-05-11
La Grange, IL
kudos:2

Re: Free Really Isn't

You put it there didn't you?

Do you use the same account for email? If so, it should be the same password as the email password for that account.
--
Toolmaster of La Grange.
permalink · 2008-01-24 10:33:50 · Reply to this ·

RadioDoc
Yeah, like it matters.
Premium,ExMod 2000-03
join:2000-05-11
La Grange, IL
kudos:2
Reviews:
·AT&T Midwest
 Wow. You probably hear black helicopters hovering over your house at night.

Oh wait. Those are silent.

The ATT WiFi login process is no different than the account login process, and they've already got all the information they need to administer that. There are no caps or other restrictions other than the physical limitations of the medium.
--
Toolmaster of La Grange.
permalink · 2008-01-23 14:00:58 · Reply to this ·

BF69
Premium
join:2004-07-28
Camden, TN

Does this apply to

former bellsouth cusomters too or like eveything else at&t does bellsouth customers are only at&t customers in name only and pricing and services don't apply to BS customers.
permalink · 2008-01-23 13:00:11 · Reply to this ·

jtackett

join:2000-11-02
Atlanta, GA

Re: Does this apply to

According to the following website »www.att.com/gen/general?pid=5949

*AT&T Wi-Fi Basic and Premier Subscription Services are not yet available in Connecticut, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee."

Sounds like bellsouth.net customers are not included in the "free" offer.
permalink · 2008-01-23 13:19:13 · Reply to this ·

BF69
Premium
join:2004-07-28
Camden, TN

Re: Does this apply to

said by jtackett:

According to the following website »www.att.com/gen/general?pid=5949

*AT&T Wi-Fi Basic and Premier Subscription Services are not yet available in Connecticut, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee."

Sounds like bellsouth.net customers are not included in the "free" offer.
No matter. Around 20 of the closest locations to me are McDonald's and they offer free wi-fi to EVERYONE anyways.
permalink · 2008-01-23 13:34:47 · Print · Reply to this ·

NetFixer
From my cold dead hands
Premium
join:2004-06-24
The Boro
Reviews:
·Comcast Business..
·Vonage
·Cingular Wireless
·Comcast

Re: Does this apply to

said by BF69:

No matter. Around 20 of the closest locations to me are McDonald's and they offer free wi-fi to EVERYONE anyways.
Some McDonald's franchises "roll their own" WiFi access, and those are usually free to the general public. The McDonald's franchises that use AT&T/Wayport connections require either AT&T or Wayport login credentials, or a credit card to get access.
--
We can never have enough of nature.
We need to witness our own limits transgressed, and some life pasturing freely where we never wander.
Test your firewall.
permalink · 2008-01-23 13:43:03 · Print · Reply to this ·

BF69
Premium
join:2004-07-28
Camden, TN

Re: Does this apply to

said by NetFixer:

said by BF69:

No matter. Around 20 of the closest locations to me are McDonald's and they offer free wi-fi to EVERYONE anyways.
Some McDonald's franchises "roll their own" WiFi access, and those are usually free to the general public. The McDonald's franchises that use AT&T/Wayport connections require either AT&T or Wayport login credentials, or a credit card to get access.
According to the at&t website my local McDonald's is part of their wi-fi network. I also know for a FACT that my local McDonald's offers FREE wi-fi to EVERYONE.

From at&t website

McDonald's 11342
106 Hwy 641 N
Camden, TN 38320-1328
SSID: attwifi
AT&T Wi-Fi

»attwifi.know-where.com/attwifi/c···ce=38320
permalink · 2008-01-23 15:13:30 · Print · Reply to this ·

NetFixer
From my cold dead hands
Premium
join:2004-06-24
The Boro
Reviews:
·Comcast Business..
·Vonage
·Cingular Wireless
·Comcast

Re: Does this apply to

I won't go so far as to say that is not possible, but I suspect that local McDonald's franchise offers free to the public WiFi access because it is no longer part of the AT&T/Wayport network, and the AT&T database has just not been updated to reflect that status.

I have seen a number of McDonald's franchises that were listed as being AT&T/Wayport hotspots, but which actually utilized homebrew hotspots using a SOHO Linksys, D-Link, etc router and a local ISP connection. Have you actually used the WiFi service at that establishment to verify if it is actually an official AT&T/Wayport hotspot?

I may check it out the next time I am in the neighborhood.
--
We can never have enough of nature.
We need to witness our own limits transgressed, and some life pasturing freely where we never wander.
Test your firewall.
permalink · 2008-01-23 15:38:37 · Print · Reply to this ·

NetFixer
From my cold dead hands
Premium
join:2004-06-24
The Boro
Reviews:
·Comcast Business..
·Vonage
·Cingular Wireless
·Comcast
 I don't know where in the link you posted you found the quote that you posted, but I am in TN, and I have been using the free WiFi access on a daily basis for many months now by simply logging in with my AT&T/BellSouth DSL account credentials.
--
We can never have enough of nature.
We need to witness our own limits transgressed, and some life pasturing freely where we never wander.
Test your firewall.
permalink · 2008-01-23 13:38:54 · Reply to this ·

jtackett

join:2000-11-02
Atlanta, GA

Re: Does this apply to

Look at the bottom of the page... next to athe asterik
permalink · 2008-01-23 13:48:21 · Reply to this ·

NetFixer
From my cold dead hands
Premium
join:2004-06-24
The Boro
Reviews:
·Comcast Business..
·Vonage
·Cingular Wireless
·Comcast
1 edit

Re: Does this apply to

said by jtackett:

Look at the bottom of the page... next to athe asterik
Yes, now I see it, but that only applies to the standalone AT&T Wi-Fi Basic and Premier Subscription Services, not to the free WiFi service which is automatically available to qualified AT&T DSL customers, and the former BellSouth area DSL customers are indeed able to use the free WiFi access.

You apparently overlooked this quote which is near the middle of the page, just next to the Order Now link (FYI, Fast Access branded DSL service is only available in the former BellSouth area):

(FREE to AT&T High Speed Internet Pro and Elite customers, Fast Access DSL Xtreme and Xtreme 6.0 customers, and AT&T U-verse customers WITH NO ORDERING REQUIRED!)
That quote still implies that only Fast Access DSL Xtreme customers get the free WiFi access, but I suspect that is only because that page (as well as the Fast Access order page) has not yet been updated to include Fast Access DSL Ultra customers.
--
We can never have enough of nature.
We need to witness our own limits transgressed, and some life pasturing freely where we never wander.
Test your firewall.
permalink · 2008-01-23 14:07:22 · Print · Reply to this ·

jtackett

join:2000-11-02
Atlanta, GA

Re: Does this apply to

Thanks.. indeed I missed that.
permalink · 2008-01-23 15:56:19 · Reply to this ·
jhaygood86

join:2005-03-01
Marietta, GA
 I've used my bellsouth.net account in Detroit before no problem. It does work for FastAccess Xtreme 3.0 customers and higher.
permalink · 2008-01-23 13:54:14 · Reply to this ·

ATT SE tech

@charter.com
 Actually this is OLD news. If you are a legacy or new BellSouth customer with 3M or 6M service the AT&T WiFi hotspots are included.

When this came out a few months ago I tried (sucessfully) to attach myself at a McDonalds as well as a Barnes & Noble with no issues. Just pick the domain name "bellsouth.net" when authenticating to the AP, and you're good to go.

I suppose the only difference is that with AT&T DSL service you start getting free access at 1.5M whereas if you were legacy/new AT&T SE you start at 3M requirement for free WiFi access. Try it and see. This is OLD OLD news.
permalink · 2008-01-23 14:46:07 · Print · Reply to this ·
the_dan

join:2007-06-25
Kelowna, BC

great, now they can look at your packets on the go!
permalink · 2008-01-23 13:21:42 · Reply to this ·

anonfx

@sbcglobal.net

old news

Uhm. Old news. I've been using it for some time now. How about the "free" LaunchCast premium that goes with AT&T DSL? Did ya know about that? Try logging into LaunchCast with your AT&T address and password.
permalink · 2008-01-23 13:25:24 · Reply to this ·
patcat88

join:2002-04-05
Jamaica, NY
kudos:1

Re: old news

I dont see much of the point of the "plus" vs "free" Launchcast, only a few more radio channels. Any other features of ATT DSL that would make the service less painful/more value for your money?
permalink · 2008-01-24 01:30:20 · Reply to this ·

IIIBradIII
Comm M-E-L Instr

join:2000-09-28
Greer, SC

Where's the love?

No love for Bellsouth customers. Why did we merge again?
permalink · 2008-01-23 13:28:48 · Reply to this ·
Rhanlav
Dook?

join:2005-01-28
Jacksonville, FL

Re: Where's the love?

Because some board members needing some big fat money?
permalink · 2008-01-23 13:36:13 · Reply to this ·
o2cool8

join:2002-04-19
Miami, FL
 I been using ATT Wifi at Barnes and noble in Miami, FL since last year and I have bell south. works just fine, like others said, all you need to do is login with your dsl login and password.
permalink · 2008-01-23 14:03:07 · Reply to this ·

IIIBradIII
Comm M-E-L Instr

join:2000-09-28
Greer, SC

Re: Where's the love?

said by o2cool8:

I been using ATT Wifi at Barnes and noble in Miami, FL since last year and I have bell south. works just fine, like others said, all you need to do is login with your dsl login and password.
Hmmm, ok I'll try it. Off I go to find a hotspot...
permalink · 2008-01-23 15:28:33 · Reply to this ·

neosolace
Stay In It

join:2003-08-25
Verbena, AL
 well SH$# .... Hell, I'd be pretty inclined to take them up on that deal.....That is IF they'd actually bring ANY kind of access to my area! F'n idiots......
permalink · 2008-01-23 14:45:51 · Reply to this ·
bennor
Premium
join:2006-07-22
New Haven, CT

What about the states where this service was not available?

Anyone know if the following states that are listed as not available on the main ATT WiFi page will be included in this (the PR page doesn't mention it)...

"*AT&T Wi-Fi Basic and Premier Subscription Services are not yet available in Connecticut, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee."

Or are we serfs located in those states still the red headed step children and not allowed to partake in this new free wifi goodness that ATT is offering?
permalink · 2008-01-23 14:30:32 · Print · Reply to this ·
patcat88

join:2002-04-05
Jamaica, NY
kudos:1

what could be

Yawn, I am sitting in the nice 125000000 nm glow of "Premier Wifi" as I type this. It would be helpful right now with a file im uploading on ATT DSL, which is slow as hell, and upload speed gets cut in 1/2 anytime I click a hyperlink. Could load the other parts of the file on another computer next to me, plug in wifi USB adaptor, and double my upload, but alas.

(Its a roaming parter thats glowing on me BTW, listed as Premier on website, means I can't access it, don't feel like paying more, only free wifi places near me would be Mcdonalds'es many blocks/miles away)
permalink · 2008-01-23 15:03:00 · Print · Reply to this ·

unhg

join:2002-05-03
Cleveland, OH

Just wondering...

Can you use PSP to login to att wifi?
permalink · 2008-01-23 19:06:27 · Reply to this ·
stridr69

join:2003-05-19
San Luis Obispo, CA

Thank You...

..ATT.
Appreciate the service. Now I have BOTH T-Mobile's HotSpot service and ATT's service. Although ATT's WiFi is WAY slower than T-mobile's offerings. Speed it up, ATT!
permalink · 2008-01-23 23:56:56 · Reply to this ·
Airwolf7
Premium
join:2004-12-12
Franklin, KY
kudos:1
1 edit

FastAccess DSL Xtreme & Xtreme 6.0 Free Wi-Fi Basic.

Click for full size
FastAccess Wi-Fi Basic.
Just in case anybody is confused former BellSouth customers have not been left out in the cold.

If you have FastAccess DSL Xtreme 3.0 or FastAccess DSL Xtreme 6.0 you get free Wi-Fi Basic included with your service.

This link below corresponds with the Wi-Fi Basic link in the highlighted area in the screen capture above.
»www.att.com/gen/general?pid=5949#getstarted
permalink · 2008-01-24 03:34:46 · Print · Reply to this ·
patcat88

join:2002-04-05
Jamaica, NY
kudos:1
1 edit

lies

##       #### ########  ######  #### #### #### #### 
##        ##  ##       ##    ## #### #### #### #### 
##        ##  ##       ##       #### #### #### #### 
##        ##  ######    ######   ##   ##   ##   ##  
##        ##  ##             ##                     
##        ##  ##       ##    ## #### #### #### #### 
######## #### ########  ######  #### #### #### ####

Its not available in CT, it wasn't the last press release, its not this press release. LIES LIES LIES! ATT is the local phone company for the entire state BTW. BS, there is no reason why in one state you can use ATT wifi, and the other you can't. This is just a press release they will get mirrored and printed in newspapers and news websites a million times, meanwhile ATT execs are laughing their ass off, that they don't actually provide the service in 1/2 their territory.

EDIT:
quote:
*AT&T Wi-Fi Basic and Premier Subscription Services are not yet available in Connecticut, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
permalink · 2008-01-24 03:52:08 · Print · Reply to this ·
Forums > AT&T Offers Free Wi-Fi To More DSL Customers

Friday, 24-May 07:58:00 Terms of Use & Privacy | feedback | contact | Hosting by nac.net - DSL,Hosting & Co-lo
over 13.5 years online © 1999-2013 dslreports.com.