Comments on: iPhone finally gets free WiFi access at AT&T hotspots

By: Hypnosis

Hypnosis — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 01:45:31 +0000

No text message, but had easy wifi access at SB.

By: Scotty

Scotty — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:16:13 +0000

I just got an email letting me know that because I registered a SBUX prepaid card with ATT (the whole get 1 hour of free WiFi thingy) I am now eligible for extra goodness with ATT online shopping. $50 back on a new cell phone like the Blackberry Pearl 8110, be still my broken heart. :-)

By: Scott

Scott — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:52:15 +0000

I was just in a SB and my iphone connected both ATT and Tmobile without doing anything. Perhaps it isn’t yet fully implemented.

By: DHall

DHall — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:51:02 +0000

Here's some more interesting news I found about the iPhone and AT&T http://www.telecommagazine.com/newsglobe/article.asp?HH_ID=AR_4546

By: ignar

ignar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:08:50 +0000

@VictorE Probably not since login requires entering the phone number.

By: VictorE

VictorE — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:28:35 +0000

this is good news. i wonder if the the user agent hack with firefox will still work?

By: James Kendrick

James Kendrick — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:09:45 +0000

I just got access with my iPhone in a SBUX.

By: Sumocat

Sumocat — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:45:32 +0000

I was at a pizzeria next to a Starbucks last night and noticed the new wifi login screen. Previously, I was able to connect without logging in. I’m guessing the new system with SMS authentication is meant to exclude iPod touch users.

By: Raphael Salgado

Raphael Salgado — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:28:59 +0000

Considering you have to enter a 10-digit telephone number to get a free SMS that will activate a Wi-Fi session good for 24 hours, I don't think iPod touch users will be given free access as well. All the details are on the following page: http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/internet/accessing-wifi.jsp

By: ignar

ignar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:28:32 +0000

I was surprised when I got this message this morning since I use my iPhone as a GoPhone. No, I don’t think I will be eligible for free hotspot, but wonder how AT&T sent the message to my prepaid number which is different from the one I used when I was under postpaid contract plan. Can carriers send a group message to IMEI rather than a phone number?