Searching for local goods and services - from your mobile device - just got easier.
AT&T announced today that iPhone users can get Free Wi-Fi at their hot spots nationwide. This includes Starbucks, Hotels, Airports and many other places.
What does this mean for small business owners?
Well, given that there are upwards of 10 million iPhone users and counting, it means that there are going to be a lot more searches for local goods and services from mobile devices. Google Maps is a standard application on the iPhone, and with Wi-Fi getting more and more ubiquitous, these local searches are going to multiply. Add to that the new devices launching with Google Maps installed, such as the T-Mobile G1 (based on Google’s Android platform) and you can easily see the trend here.
It’s a given that iPhone users can already do these searches when using Edge or 3G, but near ubiquitous Wi-Fi makes the experience better.
This is yet another reason to make sure you are listed in Google Local, and to get your profile and website optimized for local search!
How It Works
Here’s the procedure for getting free Wi-Fi on your iPhone, from the AT&T web site:
iPhone users, get started with Wi-Fi:
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Activate Wi-Fi from the settings icon on your iPhone
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Select “attwifi” from the list of available networks
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Enter your 10-digit mobile number and check the box to agree to the Acceptable Use Policy. Tap ‘continue’
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You will receive a text message from AT&T with a secure link to the AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot. You will not be charged for the text message.
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The SMS link will only be valid for 24 hours at the location it was requested. Another request must be submitted when using another hotspot location.
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Open the text message and tap on the link for 24-hour access to the AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot
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And according to CrunchGear, now they are adding free Wi-Fi for their Blackberry customers too…