Verizon is preparing to offer free Wi-Fi access at Boingo hotspots, according to the Wall Street Journal. Boingo will deliver free wifi access to subscribers of Verizon’s home broadband services.
Discussions are fluid, and Verizon is uncertain about particulars like whether users would have free access only in their regions or nationwide. The service may launch as soon as the summer, according to a person familiar with the situation.
AT&T, the country’s second largest cell phone company, already offers broadband subscribers free wifi access at hotspots in Starbucks and other Wayport locations.
Cable operator Cablevision built its own free wifi network in its Long Island, NY footprint last year.
Boingo’s network of Wi-Fi hotspots – which includes more than 100,000 locations around the world – will be available to both Verizon FiOS and DSL broadband subscribers. Boingo typically charges users $9.95 a month at North American hotspots, such as airports, cafes and restaurants. Verizon would likely offer Boingo service to its DSL and FiOS subscribers.
