When broadband internet providers compete, consumers win
July 28, 2009
Verizon high speed internet and FiOS customers can now access free broadband internet at Wi-Fi hotspots around the country. Verizon joins AT&T in offering free Wi-Fi for its customers, showing that consumers gain when the broadband internet providers compete.
Unlike AT&T, which offers Wi-Fi access with qualifying AT&T high speed internet plans, 3G LaptopConnect plans and with select smartphone plans, Verizon's Wi-Fi plan only covers laptop connections and not smartphones.
David Christopher, chief marketing officer for AT&T mobility and consumer markets, said that's why "twice as many smartphone customers choose AT&T than any other carrier."
In reality, AT&T's exclusive contract for the Apple iPhone is likely the reason more people are on the AT&T network than Verizon, which could end as early as next year when AT&T's contract is up.
But for consumers, this is all great news. Whether you're a customer of Verizon or AT&T, both companies are upping the ante to keep you as a customer, upgrading their networks and offering more services.
Now it remains to be seen if other broadband internet providers can keep up with the two biggest telecom companies, or if the marketplace becomes a clash of the titans, AT&T and Verizon.
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