AT&T is offering an application for laptops that allows the computers to connect to the nearest AT&T wireless access point.
Access could be through AT&T’s cellular network (3G or EDGE ), an AT&T public Wi-Fi hotspot, or a home Wi-Fi router connected to an AT&T wireline broadband service. AT&T is positioning the application, called Net Reach, as one that combines wireless and wireline services.
Net Reach detects the strongest available signal from nearby AT&T access points and automatically connects through it.
Net Reach, a version of AT&T’s Communication Manager software, now comes installed on AT&T’s USB-based wireless connector for laptops (the USBConnect 881), or it can be downloaded for free from the company’s Web site.
AT&T Net Reach plans start at $79.95 per month. Customers must also opt to combine their wireless and wireline services onto one billing statement.
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