One of the biggest issues with the original iPhone was the sloth-like speeds
of the EDGE network for data. To alleviate this problem, mobile types that used
the internet on the iPhone were likely to hop from Wi-Fi hotspot to Wi-Fi
hotspot.
AT&T announced previously that it would be providing iPhone users with
free access to its network of Wi-Fi hotspots. The network includes over 17,000
hotspots across the nation at airports, hotels, Universities, sports centers,
restaurants, bookstores and Starbucks locations.
The AT&T service in Starbucks locations was an issue for a while after
Starbucks decided to move
from T-mobile as its Wi-Fi provider to AT&T. The move ended up with T-Mobile
suing Starbucks over the AT&T deal.
Despite the delay and legal battle over Starbuck hotspots AT&T
finally has free Wi-Fi access available for iPhone users. The hotspot
service for the iPhone will be more beneficial to owners of the original iPhone
than those with the new iPhone 3G who can get similar speeds over the 3G
network.
However, as many iPhone 3G users have figured out, the AT&T 3G coverage
isn’t as robust as AT&T would like users to believe. Thanks to spotty 3G
service, many iPhone 3G owners may still find themselves seeking out Wi-Fi
hotspots to download apps for their device, music and check email right
alongside the original iPhone owners.
