Verizon's mobile broadband customers get bundled WiFi access

Verizon's playing catch-up this week in a game some of its rivals have been playing for ages now -- the WiFi business -- by bundling access to a fairly extensive network of hotspots in the US, Canada, and Mexico with its broadband data plans. It's a double-edged sword, though, because they're not stepping up to the plate with as much conviction as AT&T and T-Mobile have; first off, Verizon's limiting the service strictly to users of its modems and MiFi boxes while the other guys have succumbed to bundling it with smartphone data packages, and secondly, it appears hell-bent on forcing connections to go through the same crapware connection management app used with its data cards. Of course, you could argue that Verizon's larger 3G footprint gives 'em less impetus to offload users to WiFi, but by the same token, they're charging more for service -- so yeah, we're gonna predict they relent at some point just as AT&T ultimately did.

[zephxiii Posted Dec 16th 2009 8:52AM]

lol verizon,.

[WillC Posted Dec 16th 2009 12:18PM]

Hey I don't mind if Verizon decides to give its data card subscribers free access to paid wifi hotspots. It just reinforces my belief that I chose the most reliable option for data and now I'm getting an additional benefit just for being a customer.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 16th 2009 2:50PM]

LOL@WillC downing the Kool-Aid.

[raaaaaa Posted Dec 16th 2009 3:19PM]

i think the phone users should get this free as well

[Bratan Posted Dec 16th 2009 4:28PM]

@raaaaaa
Rumor has it FIOS users are going to get free WiFi hotspot access, but you will need to install their crapware, so this will exclude iPod Touch and other mobile wifi devices. Cablevision already does it for free for it's customers and no software required...

[raaaaaa Posted Dec 16th 2009 9:16PM]

@(Unverified)

I have cablevision and the free wifi is ok what sucks is you have to log on every time.....
what I meant was the cell phone package that they charge you $30 they can throw in free wifi

[PeterFnet Posted Dec 16th 2009 3:36PM]

The point to me for geteting a cellular internet device is to not have to worry about alternative wifi connections. I have an ATT tilt, and I never turn on wifi at coffe shops or any other theoretical wifi locations that would be bundles with verizon. I don't even turn on wifi PERIOD.

And if their 3G map is so freaking awesome, why the need for wifi?

And yes, I'm aware there is a different between a laptop and a phone for usage, but the principle is the same.

[The Missing Link Posted Dec 16th 2009 6:28PM]

@PeterFnet

At&t offers free WiFi, regardless if you're a customer or not. Dumbass.

[PeterFnet Posted Dec 16th 2009 7:24PM]

@The Missing Link

Read my post next time. I'm saying is I don't want to use it. I could care less if ANY provider delivers it. I'd rather see them invest in better cellular coverage. Thanks for using profanity.