Alltel dives into WiFi, offers up variety of plans

Based on a new section of Alltel's website, it seems pretty safe to say that the carrier is jumping head first into the WiFi arena. Apparently, Alltel customers can now sign up for a variety of WiFi plans that will enable them to surf the internet via their 802.11b/g-equipped laptop whenever they're near one of the "thousands of convenient hotspot locations." Among those spots are Barnes & Noble, Avis, Embassy Suites, Hilton Hotels, Holiday Inn Hotels, Marriott Hotels, Tully's Coffee and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. As for rate plans, you can snag unlimited access to the "North and South American WiFi network" for $21.99 per month so long as you have any voice or data plan already, while the Premium WiFi plan requires that you're already paying for an Alltel Wireless Internet plan. Of course, there's also the Pay As You Go approach, and while it's yet to be confirmed, we're hearing that the company could be in talks with Boingo Wireless.

[Via GigaOM]

[strider_mt2k @ Oct 8th 2007 8:09AM]

Dotell

[rus @ Oct 8th 2007 9:19AM]

A couple notes:

1) You can already get the wifi at the hotels mentioned. Just walk in, go to the front desk and ask what the password is.

2) Contrary to #1 MOST HOTELS will not allow loitering in the parking lots. I wonder if they are changing this. I've been in a hotel parking lot before on my laptop and was told if I was not a guest at the hotel i had to leave.

3) Wouldn't most places with hotels also have an Atlanta Bread or Panera Bread nearby?

[jake @ Oct 8th 2007 10:55AM]

With so many free wi-fi spots at independent coffee shops I am amazed people insist on charging for wifi at corporate shops.

[mike @ Oct 8th 2007 11:55AM]

Tully's coffee already has free wifi...

[jeremy @ Oct 8th 2007 12:26PM]

Minneapolis has a city-wide wi-fi network and only charges 17.99 for 1Mbps service through USI.

Oh yeah, most coffee shops as well as most bars, restaurants offer free wi-fi. WHO needs Cell companies to offer this??

[Nick @ Oct 8th 2007 12:56PM]

Isn't that cute....they're trying to be like T-Mobile.