AT&T already turns off free WiFi for iPhone users?
By Ryan Block 
posted May 3rd 2008 5:27PM
posted May 3rd 2008 5:27PM
Easy come, easy go: looks like that free WiFi for iPhone users could already be turned off, as apparently users are starting to get login screens instead of the free web access they so quickly came to expect. The only real question is whether the whole free iPhone WiFi was simply flipped on early, and will be officially announced at a later time, or AT&T changed its mind about the whole thing. Guess we'll soon see.[Via Gear Diary]
Free w-fi from AT&T? wtf, it always gave me the login thing just like in the screen shot, it was never free.
Or is it because of where I live? I live in the Seattle area.
AT&T was not rewarding their customers. My prediction: the data usage of iphone users is substantially higher than predictions. With the new phone being 3G, the problem is going to be much worse, and AT&T is trying to come up with ways to reduce their costs. Moving traffic from EDGE/3G to Wi-Fi is one way to do it. Unfortunately, I believe what we will see next month with the release of the new iPhone is a statement such as: "Now Internet access at all the places the iPhone is most commonly used to access the Internet is free. When you're not in one of these places, rest assured you can still access the Internet via AT&T's high speed 3G network for a nominal charge." In other words, kiss goodbye the $20 all you can eat data plan. AT&T is going to raise the price of the unlimited data by a considerable amount, and point to the free WiFi as a way of saying they are actually making it cheaper for "most users". Yea, right.
Actually, if you check the starbucks website, you have to register a starbucks card in order to get the username and password. So I guess it's not free wifi...But you could buy any amount on the gift card so it's not that bad I guess...I have an Ipod touch and it's been making me sign in for about two weeks now, but it has been really great once I typed in the username/pass. Hope this helps guys!
It just doesent make sense
i forgot to add this- is it true you can only use the iTunes store via wifi?
iPhone users must have low self-esteem to be shit on by Apple and AT&T, time and time again.
starbucks? i had an account to use their wifi but it was through tmobile, i didnt think att had anything to do with the sbux wifi...
Problem #1, it didn't go pass Paul C's steely 7 eyed gaze!! They would have surely told them that browser finagling would easily bypass their lame azz controls!!! Yea, keep doing these "speed to market" endarounds, Schmucks!!
well if you have internet service through att, all you have to do is type in the master email account and password & you can get free wi-fi at ANY att hot-spot (starbucks, McDonald's, etc.)
So AT&T is shutting customers out. Good move AT&T.