Wi-Fi Hotspot Access Up 69% Made from Smartphones, Says AT&T

According to AT&T there were 53.1 million AT&T Wi-Fi connections in the first quarter. Smartphones and other integrated devices accounted for the majority of connections made on AT&T's Wi-Fi network. 69 percent of Wi-Fi connections were made from smartphones and integrated devices, up from 35 percent a year ago in the first quarter of 2009.

In Q1, nearly 32 million AT&T customers had AT&T Wi-Fi access included with their qualifying smartphone, AT&T High Speed Internet and 3G LaptopConnect plans. he total number of AT&T broadband connections -- which includes both wireline broadband and wireless LaptopConnect cards -- grew by 278,000 in the first quarter to reach 17.5 million in service.

Mos popular AT&T smartphones support auto-authentication at AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots, making it easy to connect.

AT&T expanded f Wi-Fi enabled devices available to AT&T customers and itsWi-Fi hotspots across the U.S., including venues in hospitality, retail, healthcare, sport arenas/stadiums and university locations. Recent additions include Wi-Fi access throughout Tulsa International Airport and nearly 500 patient rooms and hospital patient areas at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

"We know that Wi-Fi is an essential part of our customers' broadband experience, bridging our wireless and wired broadband networks, and we're making sure people can connect to Wi-Fi everywhere they live, work and play," said Angie Wiskocil, senior vice president, AT&T Wi-Fi Services. "Whether you're at your local coffee shop and need to download a large presentation, or you're traveling and need to access email at your hotel, AT&T has you covered with our Wi-Fi network."