OREANDA-NEWS.  May 18, 2012. With the AT&T* Wi-Fi network continuing to scale and consumers making record a record number of Wi-Fi connections, Wireless Week honored AT&T with an industry leadership award for its Wi-Fi strategy, innovation and growth at their 15th Annual Leadership Awards ceremony at CTIA in New Orleans, reported the press-centre of AT&T.

“Bolstered by the strategic acquisition of Wayport, AT&T’s Wi-Fi network complements its cellular network in helping meet the demands of a customer base that has come to expect a fast, reliable connection on all of their devices, at all times, wherever they happen to be. Wireless Week is proud to recognize AT&T for doing an outstanding job of recognizing the value of Wi-Fi and making it an important part of its offerings,” said Monica Alleven, editor in chief for Wireless Week.

Wireless Week also recognized AT&T for its record number of connections and network traffic made on the AT&T Wi-Fi network, which continued to grow in the first quarter of 2012:

626.4 million AT&T Wi-Fi connections made in the first quarter of 2012, more than half of the 1.2 billion connections made in all of 2011.

Quadrupled monthly Wi-Fi data uploads from mobile devices in first quarter 2012 versus first quarter 2011.

Tripled AT&T Wi-Fi network traffic in first quarter 2012 versus network traffic for first quarter 2011.

More than 79 connections per second made to more than 30,000 AT&T operated Wi-Fi Hot Spots.

“We made a decision to scale our network and invest in Wi-Fi technology, products and services to help deliver a better customer experience,” said Angie Wiskocil, Senior Vice President, AT&T Wi-Fi Services. “Wi-Fi plays a strategic role in keeping our customers connected when and where they want, and we’re thrilled to receive this recognition. Wi-Fi usage will only continue to skyrocket, and we’re proud to provide fast, reliable and convenient access to customers and businesses across the country.”

AT&T’s recent acquisition of Montreal-based Wi-Fi managed services provider Superclick Networks, Inc. expands our services and platforms to deliver premium services in the high-end hospitality sector, domestically and internationally. Hotel locations account for approximately 45 percent of the total AT&T Wi-Fi network traffic, driven by business travelers and longer connection times during guests’ stay.

Additionally, AT&T recently reached an agreement to provide free Wi-Fi across Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport’s five terminals, totaling more than six million square feet of terminal space, in order to help travelers stay connected. Sporting venues and stadiums also choose AT&T Wi-Fi Services to deploy and manage their Wi-Fi networks in order to keep visitors engaged with the arena experience.

AT&T is also deploying free Wi-Fi to provide convenient connectivity for AT&T customers in high traffic areas. This year, AT&T launched free Wi-Fi at Staten Island’s FDR Boardwalk, Brooklyn’s Fort Greene Park and Manhattan’s Central Park Zoo. To date, AT&T has launched free Wi-Fi at 21 park locations in New York City.

The AT&T Wi-Fi network continues to scale. AT&T customers can connect to the nation’s largest Wi-Fi network** with access to more than 233,000 global roaming hot spots, including more than 30,000 AT&T operated domestic Wi-Fi Hot Spots. Most AT&T smartphone customers get access to our entire national Wi-Fi network at no additional cost, and Wi-Fi usage doesn’t count against customers’ monthly wireless data plans.
 
*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.

**Largest based on company branded and operated hotspots. Access includes AT&T Wi-Fi Basic. A Wi-Fi enabled device required. Other restrictions apply. See www.attwifi.com for details and locations.