However fast your current 3G or 4G cellular data network is, it still pales in comparison to an average Wi-Fi network -- which are most often connected to residential or commercial broadband networks. And with the increasing popularity of smartphones, carriers will need to promote Wi-Fi access heavily to prevent over-saturation on their networks. Earlier this week, Verizon and AT&T joined the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) to do just that, reports Cnet.
Since 2003, the WBA has promoted the idea that carrier-owned Wi-Fi networks should operate seamlessly with one another. The group has developed its own standard for commercial Wi-Fi that allows users to sign on to other carriers' networks with their existing username and password.
AT&T has made a concerted effort to push users to its 20,000 wireless hotspots. iPhone users, who have notoriously had the most trouble with the carrier's network, automatically receive access to AT&T's "Wi-Fi Basic" plan as part of their monthly subscription. AT&T also offers a "Wi-Fi Premier" plan for $19.99-a-month that allows users to roam on partner hotspots. With its newfound membership in the WBA, the carrier will be able to offer even more roaming locations to customers.
Verizon's history with Wi-Fi has been more tumultuous. The carrier used to disable Wi-Fi capabilities on its smartphones, which locked users into using its mobile network even at home. That practice has since stopped, otherwise it wouldn't have seen anywhere near the amount of success it has with the Motorola Droid and Droid Incredible Android phones. Last year, it gave Verizon FiOS customers free access to its Wi-Fi hotspots, and it wouldn't be a huge surprise to see a similar offer soon for its smartphone customers.
Eventually, cellular data networks will be able to consistently reach speeds faster than home broadband connections without breaking a sweat. But with AT&T moving towards tiered mobile data plans to prevent further network strain, and Verizon potentially soon to follow, it's going to be some time before we get there.
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