As more consumers log onto the Web from smartphones, tablets and other devices, connections on the AT&T Wi-Fi network continue to skyrocket.
Dallas-based AT&T reported 1.2 billion Wi-Fi connections last year, with 486.9 million connections in the fourth quarter alone. AT&T said connections more than tripled in the fourth quarter compared to 154 million connections in the year-earlier period.
“As AT&T Wi-Fi connections and usage soar at hospitality locations, retail stores, stadiums and enterprise businesses, venues are benefitting by making Wi-Fi available to their customers and employees,” said Angie Wiskocil, SVP, AT&T Wi-Fi Services, in a statement Thursday. “This extraordinary growth confirms that customers understand the benefits of AT&T Wi-Fi. It’s fast, reliable and convenient access that doesn’t count against their monthly data plans. ”
Customers can connect to the Wi-Fi network with 30,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots. AT&T Wi-Fi data traffic increased 550 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011, fueled by increasing use of cloud services. AT&T appeared to be comparing data traffic growth to the fourth quarter of 2010.
In October, AT&T announced an agreement with Xcel Energy Center to offer AT&T Wi-Fi access to Minnesota Wild hockey fans from their seats. AT&T said the Xcel Energy Center was the first National Hockey League venue to offer its Wi-Fi service.
AT&T also recently completed its agreement to acquire Montreal-based Wi-Fi management services provider Superclick, Inc., which will expand AT&T services to the high-end hospitality sector, domestically and internationally. Hotel locations account for approximately 45 percent of the total AT&T Wi-Fi network traffic. Such traffic is driven by business travelers and longer connection times during guests’ stays, AT&T said.
