AT&T has been forging partnerships that give its roaming customers free WiFi while abroad, and it just struck one of the more logical networking deals that we've seen to date, if also the most lopsided. A pact with Boingo will let AT&T subscribers have 1GB of free data each month on Boingo's airport hotspots -- but, as with previous arrangements, only if they're subscribed to AT&T's $60 or $120 international data plans. Boingo subscribers, meanwhile, get a much better deal. They can use AT&T hotspots anywhere in the US as part of their existing rate, which could see them paying as little as $10 per month. Either arrangement will keep us online during a layover, and for that we're thankful -- but there's only one that's likely to have us pulling out our credit cards.
Boingo Announces Global Wi-Fi Roaming Agreement With AT&T
AT&T Customers Have Access to Boingo's Global Wi-Fi Hotspots in Major International Airports
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Boingo Wireless, Inc. (NASDAQ: WIFI), the Wi-Fi industry's leading provider of software and services worldwide, today announced a global Wi-Fi roaming agreement with AT&T.
Travelers abroad can now gain access, via the AT&T Wi-Fi International App, to Boingo's global network of Wi-Fi hotspots managed and operated by Boingo's subsidiary, Concourse Communications Group. The AT&T Wi-Fi International App lets AT&T customers on applicable data global packages access up to 1GB of Wi-Fi each month at no additional charge.*
The total Boingo managed and operated network reaches more than 1.5 billion people worldwide annually. Boingo Wi-Fi hotspots at major international airports are available to AT&T customers today, with service continuing to expand throughout 2013.
Additionally, as part of the agreement, Boingo customers traveling in the United States will also be able to access AT&T's network of Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the country, including airports, restaurants, sporting arenas and retail locations.
"We're committed to keeping our customers connected to the people, places and information that matter most, which is why we're pleased that many of them can now seamlessly connect to Boingo's global Wi-Fi during their travels abroad," said JR Wilson, vice president, Partnerships and Alliances, AT&T Mobility.
"AT&T's domestic Wi-Fi network helps fill in the gaps for Boingo users actively seeking Wi-Fi hotspots," said Howard Buzick, vice president of business development for Boingo Wireless. "With the explosion in both Wi-Fi enabled devices and customer data demand, Wi-Fi roaming continues to be a key facilitator for global data access."
Both AT&T and Boingo Wireless are Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) member companies with executives serving on the WBA Board of Directors. The companies also are currently participating in the WBA's Next Generation Hotspot trials for seamless Wi-Fi roaming.
*The AT&T Wi-Fi International app is available to AT&T customers who subscribe to either the 300MB or 800MB AT&T Data Global Add-On package. Visit att.com/worldpackages for complete details.