It looks like Verizon Internet subscribers may soon have the ability to use free Wi-Fi hotspots aspread across the country, several online media outlets are now reporting.
Verizon will work alongside with Wi-Fi company Boingo to offer the free Wi-Fi, though there are still many questions that have been left unanswered. For example, it's unknown if a subscriber will be able to use Wi-Fi in their area only, or if it'd be good nationwide.
If the deal is agreed upon, the service could be available to Verizon subscribers as early as this summer.
Both AT&T and Cablevision offer similar services, with other Internet providers also likely to introduce free Wi-Fi to their subscribers. Although more cafes and small shops have free Wi-Fi, it can still be difficult to find a free, open Wi-Fi hotspot while traveling in the U.S., even when in a major metropolitan area.
Boingo normally charges $9.95 per month to access more than 100,000 Wi-Fi hotspot locations spread throughout the world.
I really like this move by Verizon, AT&T and other Internet providers, because it's something that's convenient and appreciated by subscribers. With more consumers having Wi-Fi enabled devices -- mobile phones, notebooks, game devices, etc. -- it only makes sense that they'll look for places to connect to the Internet while traveling.
Verizon is a bit late to the game, but hopefully Verizon and Boingo are able to create a service infrastructure subscribers actually want to use.
