Courtesy of TechWeb News

SBC Communications Inc. on Tuesday launched Wi-Fi services at more than 600 Barnes & Noble bookstores nationwide.

In addition, the San Antonito, Texas, telecommunications company said it plans to have wireless local area networks (LANs) ready for business travelers at 88 Avis Rent A Car airport locations by early next year.

SBC has ambitious plans for Wi-Fi, which the company expects to install in 20,000 locations by 2006. The company says it now has hotspots in more than 5,000 locations.

In the B&N deal, people can pay $3.95 for two-hours, or subscribe to unlimited access at all SBC hotspots for $19.95 a month. SBC broadband customers can get unlimited access until April 15, 2005, at no charge. After that, subscriptions will cost $1.99 a month, with a one-year commitment.

Internet Week