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May 10, 2009

In even more signs that the wireless industry continues to evolve rapidly, Qwest says it will soon offer its wireless and cable customers free and unlimited WiFi access in the U.S.

Lately, public Wi-Fi hot spots have become a necessity and several wireless operators and ISPs are offering similar WiFi access plans.

For instance, Bright House Networks runs its own system of Wi-Fi hot spots. Cablevision is expanding its WiFi network and Comcast has already started to build another Wi-Fi network.

Qwest has negotiated access to AT&T’s approximately 17,000 Wi-Fi hot spots in the U.S. That also includes hot spots at Starbucks and McDonald’s Restaurants.

Verizon Wireless is negotiating Wi-Fi access as well, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Qwest customers want wider Internet access, according to a recent survey that the company has made.

“Our study showed that about 46.7 percent of all respondents get antsy in about an hour if they can’t check their e-mails, visit their social networking sites or look at their instant messaging. Qwest's free solution keeps our customers connected,” said Dan Yost, executive v.p. for Qwest’s Mass Markets division.

All current and new Qwest high-speed Internet customers are automatically eligible for the new plan and can look for the Qwest WiFi service set identifier or SSID, which will be rolling out to venues over the next couple of weeks.

Qwest didn't offer more details on the structure of its new 'wholesale' arrangement with AT&T.

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Source: Qwest.