AT&T and Fon agree to share WiFi networks for holiday hotspot hoppers
It may not be as convenient as, say, Three UK's attempt to abolish data roaming frustrations, but today AT&T has partnered with yet another WiFi hotspot provider to make sharing those vacation pictures with cubicle-bound chums that much easier. International hotspot outfit Fon and Ma Bell have inked a deal that opens their respective WiFi networks up to each other's customers, though jetsetters will need a device compatible with AT&T's WiFi International iOS and Android apps. That's not the only catch, either. Like with AT&T's other hotspot arrangements, patrons of the US carrier will already need a roaming data plan to take advantage of the free 1GB of WiFi per month -- a 300 or 800MB Global Add-on package, in this case. Well, like everyone says: there's no such thing as free international WiFi sharing agreement data.
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AT&T and Fon Sign Strategic Global Wi-Fi Agreement
Agreement Gives AT&T Customers Access to Fon's International Wi-Fi Network; Fon Members Will Enjoy Access to AT&T's U.S. Wi-Fi Network
DALLAS and MADRID, Sept. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* and Fon today announced a global Wi-Fi roaming agreement that will give customers of both companies a broader and richer Wi-Fi experience as they travel the globe.
Via the AT&T Wi-Fi International App**, AT&T customers traveling abroad can now gain access to hundreds of thousands of Fon international hotspots. In turn, Fon network members will gain access to AT&T's Wi-Fi network, which includes more than 30,000 hotspots at popular restaurants, hotels, bookstores and retailers throughout the United States. The agreement covers smartphones and other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, which will connect seamlessly to select hotspots in both the AT&T and Fon networks.
"We are thrilled to team with AT&T to expand the Fon network in the United States," said Nina Sodhi, CEO, Fon US. "AT&T is a communications pioneer and U.S. Wi-Fi leader, and we are happy to be an important part of their global Wi-Fi strategy."
"Our agreement with Fon further expands our international Wi-Fi footprint making it easier for AT&T customers to stay connected to what matters most during their travels abroad," said JR Wilson, Vice President, Partnerships and Alliances, AT&T Mobility.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
** The AT&T Wi-Fi International App, which is available on iPhone, iPad and Android devices, lets AT&T customers on either the 300MB or 800MB AT&T Data Global Add-On package access up to 1GB of Wi-Fi each month at no additional charge. Visit att.com/worldpackages for complete details.
