AT&T, Starbucks join in free hot spots

Starting Thursday, AT&T broadband subscribers will have free access to Wi-Fi in about 7,000 Starbucks nationwide, including 100 in the Chicago and suburban area.

AT&T already has Wi-Fi deals with Barnes & Noble, McDonald's and several airports nationwide.

"The free element of this agreement is tied to our broadband packages, as we announced last year," said AT&T spokeswoman Meghan Roskopf.

AT&T broadband customers with Express, Pro or Elite high-speed Internet services, or AT&T high-speed Internet U-verse-enabled services, will get free access to a total of 17,000 hot spots -- which includes the Starbucks locations and other AT&T hot spots. Those packages begin at $25 per month for Express service.

Customers could use their regular user name and password on the co-branded Web site. When you first set up your broadband service, you'll create a user name and password and the site will prompt you for that information, she said.

Once you open your laptop at a Starbucks, you'll select "ATTWiFi" and follow the prompts.

AT&T told shareholders at its annual meeting last week about the free Wi-Fi. It has already launched in San Antonio and will be rolling out nationwide this week.

For others who don't currently subscribe to AT&T broadband, the service will include a mix of free and paid connection options for both frequent and occasional Wi-Fi users and qualifying Starbucks customers.

To find a Wi-Fi spot, see www.starbucks.com/retail/wireless.asp or www.attwifi.com.

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