ignar: I’m not saying it’s not a good deal, but “feels like free” is not free. And I’m pretty sure it costs them less per MB to send data over a wifi hotspot than over their phone network, especially since the hotspot host pays the electricity cost, so their “free” offering could be saving them money. Still good for the user, but I’d find it a bit audacious if they charged more for something that costs them less.

They better start offering that with the other unlimited data plans.

reminds me of a sig file i read:

What is a “free” gift? Aren’t all gifts free?

Sumocat, I understand your point and agree that it’s not free for new users, but for us current users, it feels like free.
When a=c, if a+b=c, then b=0.

Sorry for being nitpicky, but the persistent misuse of the word “free” has been bothering me lately (probably because it has been persistently misused lately): hotspot usage is not free if it is included with a paid service plan. By definition, a service is not free if you’re paying a fee to use it.

It says the access is available for hotspots other than Starbucks, so Starbucks purchase may not be required. Probably moot point though since most will get coffee when they’re in Starbucks.
I’m curious free wifi will be available with laptop as well. Changing browser ID is not hard anyway. Let’s see how soon iPhone tethering solution for 3G and Wifi will be out.