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November 5, 2008 12:00 AM PST
No Text Message Plan? No Free iPhone WiFi
Last week, AT&T introduced free WiFi access for iPhone users at sanctioned hotspots nationwide, including many Starbucks locations.
Now, in addition complaints over the lengthy sign-in process, users report that disabing SMS capability on the iPhone also disallows access to the authorization SMS that is required to access free WiFi; this despite the fact that users with SMS turned off can still receive official text messages from Apple and AT&T.
One iPhone Atlas reader writes:
"Looks like those of us with text messaging disabled cannot receive the code to get on attwifi. I gave it a try at my local Starbucks, never received a message even though I still get official AT&T texts."
Feedback? http://www.iphoneatlas.com/contact.
I called AT&T and asked why. I had just received an official text message for another support issue. I was told, after several sessions on hold, that because I have text messaging blocked it is a 50-50 chance that I receive ANY official text messages.
I refuse to pay for a service that, other than communications from the service provider, I do not use. I was told that unless I remove the block I will not get the text messages, especially ones with links in them.
Open note to AT&T: Fix your system. If I am supposed to be able to get FREE official text messages from your company then I should be able to get ALL official text message from AT&T wether or not they contain links.