Starting today, my telco, Qwest, is offering all of it’s broadband Internet customers the opportunity to use AT&T WiFi hotspots as a benefit of their montly broadband purchase. That’s right: any family or business who uses Qwest high-speed Internet at home can now utilize AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots when they are on-the-go.

AT&T Wi-Fi is a far-reaching Wi-Fi network with hotpots at most Starbucks and other retail locations. By recognizing their customers are mobile and need Wi-Fi access while out and about, Qwest has given each customer a value-add that is pretty great.

Qwest, the number 3 US telephone company behind AT&T and Verizon, commissioned a study that found nearly half of respondents would appreciate being able to use Wi-Fi when traveling for business or pleasure.

Any Qwest customer can get more info at Qwest.com/wifi. As a Qwest customer, I’m happy about this development, however I’m going to continue to use my Boingo account for Wi-Fi access when I need it.

The press release is available after the jump:

DENVER, May 7, 2009 — Starting today, millions of Qwest High-Speed Internet® customers, including small-business customers, can enjoy free, unlimited nationwide access to Qwest Wi-Fi offered at 17,000 hotspots, including popular coffee shops, bookstores and restaurants.
“Mobility is important to our customers, as is value,” said Dan Yost, executive vice president for Qwest’s Mass Markets Organization. “With free Wi-Fi, our high-speed Internet customers can extend the benefits of their Qwest broadband experience to the nation’s largest Wi-Fi network, powered by AT&T Wi-Fi†.”
Recently, Qwest (NYSE:Q) commissioned a study conducted by Impulse Research Corporation, a full-service market research firm, that found nearly half of all respondents valued Wi-Fi because it provided them with the freedom and flexibility to stay connected beyond the home or office.
“This finding underscores the fact that people expect Internet access wherever they are,” said Yost. “In fact, our study showed that nearly half of all respondents get ‘antsy,’ in about an hour, if they can’t check e-mail, social networking sites or instant messaging. Our free solution keeps Qwest customers connected.”
Free Qwest Wi-Fi, powered by AT&T Wi-Fi, builds on Qwest’s commitment to offer the freedom of mobile access to the information, services and entertainment on the Internet.
All current and new Qwest High-Speed Internet customers are automatically eligible and can look for the “QwestWiFi” service set identifier or SSID, which will be rolling out to venues over the next couple of weeks. To take advantage of free Qwest Wi-Fi, customers can visit www.qwest.com/wifi to search Wi-Fi hotspot locations and to get login instructions.
About the Survey
Impulse Research Corporation, a full-service market research firm, conducted an online survey with 1,000 people (age 18 and up) nationwide. Results were collected from a random sample of 1,000 men and women, 18 and over, representing a cross-section of the United States. All participants are members of the CyberPulseTM Advisory Panel. All results are representative of the American population. All survey was conducted in April 2009. Impulse Research is headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif.