There is good news for all the laptop users. Now all laptop users who have subscribed to AT&T's 3G wireless data service can now avail of the free Wi-Fi at the company's 17,000 Wi-fi hotspots all across US, according to the announcement made by the company on Tuesday.

 

All laptop users who shell out $60 or more for the data service that the company provides on its HSDPA and EDGE networks can use this service. The Wi-Fi market is seeing some real boom lately. Just last week, AT&T executive had mentioned at an investor conference that it is upgrading the netowrks so that the users would be able to benefit from the even faster network speeds. Presently, AT&T provides download speeds between 400kbps and 700kbps through its 3G network.

 

According to the statements issued by the company, once the company completes the upgradation process, users would be able to access download speeds between 4 and 6Mbps. AT&T has captured the bulk of the 3G market. Its network is already being used in some 275 U.S. markets and the company will be reaching 350 markets by the end of 2008. On the other hand its 2.5G network, at present, is serving more than 13,000 cities.

 

AT&T is mainly boosting its Wi-Fi service because its celluar coverage is not present everywhere. For example, in some rural areas it gets quite tough to catch a signal. Another reason is that the cellular signal of AT&T can get real weak indoors. However, with Wi-Fi hotspots being set up by the company, this problem will be solved to a great extent. These are seen as the main reasons behind the beefing up spree that the company is after. It basicallly plans to increase its connectivitiy in public places like the Starbucks coffee shops or at Mc.Donald's restaurants, and at Barnes and Nobles bookstores.

 

At present however, AT&T plans to expand its free Wi-Fi service to its laptop card users. It isn't available for mobile phones just yet but it sure plans to launch something on the same lines coming later in the year. Meanwhile, earlier this month there were some speculations that were doing the rounds which stated that iPhone users are able to use free Wi-Fi through AT&T's hotspots. The comapny even mentioned the same in its website but later it was taken down. A spokesperson, was later quoted saying that the language on the web site was a mistake and taht free Wi-Fi for smartphones users is coming soon.

 

However, offering free Wi-Fi services to its users is a great way to boost the number of customers. For example, T-Mobile the fourth largest operator in the country has got Wi-Fi networks for its users which actually increases its wireless networks and ultimately benefitting the customers.