AT&T has announced today the launch of an AT&T Wi-Fi Hotzone in Times Square, the company’s latest effort to ease congestion on their 3G data networks in high-population areas.
The Wi-Fi service was installed on 46th street and 7th avenue and will service a large portion of Times Square.
The Hotzone is free to all of AT&T’s subscribers, as long as they have a device that can connect to wireless. This includes smartphones and laptops with 3G LaptopConnect modems.
AT&T has received almost constant criticism for dropped calls and choppy 3G service in New York City and other high-population areas, especially from iPhone users that are notoriously bandwidth hungry.
Says John Donovan, AT&T’s CTO (via press release): “Whether they’re emailing photos and videos to friends back home, downloading a restaurant review, or ordering discount Broadway tickets online, people in Times Square want the mobile broadband connection that lets them get the most done in the least amount of time. With this pilot AT&T Wi-Fi hotzone, we’re examining new ways to combine our Wi-Fi and 3G networks to help ensure that AT&T customers in Times Square always have a fast mobile broadband connection to do what matters most to them. It’s another example of how AT&T is exploring the ideal blend of technologies to maximize the mobile experience for our customers in New York City.”
The carrier says it has seen 5000 percent data traffic growth since 2007, and has since added 20,000 Hotzones in the U.S.
Result for: modem
Fox News is reporting that Verizon and AT&T fought over having their 3G service available to future iPad owners and that AT&T won the rights by outbidding the competition.
iPad 3G costs $30 USD monthly for unlimited, or $15 for 250MB data plans, a price about half the cost of what 3G service would normally cost from AT&T for a netbook or modem owner.
Verizon had no comment on the report, and AT&T did not either except to say it’s happy to be the “main carrier partner” for the iPad.
Result for: modem
Matthew Delorey of Massachusetts has been arrested this week, accused of selling hacked Comcast cable modems that would allow buyers to have free Internet access.
Delorey has also been charged with one count of conspiracy and one count of wire fraud, each of which has a maximum sentence of 20 years and a fine of $250,000 USD.
The alleged hacker sold the modems via Massmodz.com, which has since been taken down. The modems were modified to have the MAC addresses spoofed, technically stealing Internet access from paying customers.
Delorey was caught when FBI agents purchased two of the modems. The hacker also posted videos on YouTube
titled “Massmodz.com How to Get Free Internet Free Cable Internet Comcast or any Cable ISP - 100% works” and “Massmodz.com How to bypass Comcast registration page with premod cable modem SB5100, SB 5101.”
