rbocs differ on wi-fi

VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS INC. IS eliminating 380 hotspots in New York City that allowed its Internet subscribers to access the Web for free over APs located at pay phones.

The nation’s largest phone company is phasing out the Wi-Fi locations while accelerating expansion of its third-generation EV-DO cellular network in New York through Verizon Wireless, the second largest U.S. wireless provider. Verizon Wireless, a joint venture between Verizon and Vodafone Group Plc, is investing $1 billion on its Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) network and ended the first quarter with 17.8 million data customers, a 53 percent increase over the quarter a year ago.

“It didn’t really make sense for us to keep offering the free Wi-Fi because a lot of customers simply weren’t taking advantage of it,” says Verizon spokeswoman Bobbi Henson. “I think everybody in the industry is looking for a successful model around Wi-Fi. Our focus is on the EV-DO network as far as wireless data is concerned.”

That could be temporary, however, since Verizon plans to acquire MCI in an $8.45-billion pact. MCI is offering Wi-Fi through roaming agreements as part of its remote access services tailored for enterprise customers. Customers can access 6,000 hotspots in the United States and another 5,000 locations in 35 other countries from Brazil to Australia to Japan, says Kevin Gatesman, senior manager of emerging technologies with MCI.

The company recently added Wi-Fi as a component to its secure managed services offering for road warriors.

On a separate front, SBC stands to gain a large network of wireless hotspots through its $16 billion acquisition of AT&T Corp.

In February, AT&T announced increasing its global Wi-Fi and wired Ethernet remote access footprint to approximately 10,000 sites in more than 35 countries through roaming agreements. AT&T offers wireless LAN service at about 5,800 locations in the United States and 3,300 venues abroad.

SBC already supports a large Wi-Fi network. The company is offering its customers Wi-Fi connectivity at 7,500 locations, including Barnes & Nobles, McDonald’s and UPS stores.

SBC had been offering its DSL customers Wi-Fi access for free since introducing the service last year, but the company planned to begin charging customers $1.99 a month this summer to access the network at 4,000 venues.