AT&T Boosts Wi-Fi Presence With 13,000 New Hot Spots

AT&T said today it is rolling out thousands of new Wi-Fi locations and an updated version of its VPN (virtual private network) client that helps remote users securely access corporate networks over public hotspots.

AT&T's focus on Wi-Fi comes as 3G services, particularly in the United States, are at last beginning to gain traction (see analysis at right).AT&T announced the deployment of 13,000 new hotspots bringing its overall number to more than 48,000 in 79 countries. The

company has added Wi-Fi services in Argentina, Bermuda, China, Ecuador, Niger and South Korea. In the United States, it opened new hotspots in 15 airports, among other locations.

In addition, AT&T added new security, log-in and support capabilities to its Global Network Client, its VPN software. The company touted upgrades to its AT&T Endpoint Security Service managed personal firewall suite--including the ability to validate software patches as well as new antivirus enhancements and anti-spyware safeguards--that will help keep VPN-enabled laptops in compliance with corporate security requirements. To accelerate access times, AT&T added the ability for the software to recall any router, hotspot or cell tower ID that end users may have used to connect previously.

Existing customers can download the new Global Network Client features from AT&T's BusinessDirect portal.