AT&T opens Wi-Fi networks to 3G customers using Windows

iPhone users aren't the only ones who will get free access to AT&T's 17,000 Wi-Fi hotspots, as the company is also opening the doors to its 3G customers signed up for LaptopConnect plans. But the offer has one catch: it requires Windows.

AT&T recently signed a deal to power the Wi-Fi networks at all Starbucks and Barnes and Noble locations, boosting its hotspot number by 7,000. As part of the agreement, it decided to grant iPhone users free access to its network. AT&T is the exclusive iPhone carrier in the United States, giving it an incentive to support those users.

AT&T also manages the Wi-Fi at McDonalds, numerous airports and hotels. The company seems to be working out kinks in the rollout, however, as iPhone users have reported being granted access that was later revoked.

Starbucks Card users will also receive 2 hours of free connectivity, but this feature is not yet functional.

Starting this month, AT&T says LaptopConnect customers who pay at least $59.99 per month can freely access its Wi-Fi as well. AT&T Communication Manager version 6.8 or higher must be installed, but the software only runs on Windows, which ironically leaves Mac OS X customers out in the cold despite the iPhone support.

The company did not say whether it would offer a Mac version of the software in the future.

AT&T has a history of opening up its Wi-Fi hotspots to customers. In 2007, its offered free access to its residential broadband customers. The company, which trails behind Verizon in 3G deployments, hopes the addition of free Wi-Fi will fill any gaps in its network.