Update: Getting free WiFi from AT&T just got easier with the Easy Wi-Fi from AT&T app. It's free (for now) and gets you connected in about 15 seconds. Read my app review and walkthrough to see for yourself.

I was really excited when AT&T texted me about how I could now get free WiFi on my iPhone. I couldn't wait for my afternoon break to go down the block to our local Starbucks and give it a shot. After having done it, I gotta admit that my 3G envy is starting to come back. The good news is that the WiFi is indeed free and it's also not too onerous to do. The catch is that it involves a few steps during which all my freinds with 3G iPhones will be gloating about their always-on broadband connection.

The following screenshots chronicle what it was like:

First, I connected to the attwifi hotspot in Settings.



When I opened up Safari, I got this T-Mobile login page telling me to connect to attwifi for free access.


At this point I was beginning to think that this was a hoax or some sort of bait and switch by major telecoms. But I thought, "Maybe they somehow screwed up naming the networks at this Starbucks." So I connected to the tmobile hotspot.


Now when I opened up Safari, I got an AT&T page asking me to enter phone number and agree to the terms of service.


After doing so I got this page telling me a text would be arriving shortly.


This text arrived about 15-30 seconds later.


The link took me to this confirmation page.


The connection was indeed fast and visited a few of my favorite graphic-intense Web 2.0 sites to enjoy them at broadband speeds.

Know the only thing I need is for Safari to play Flash and I will be able to fit virtually the entire World Wide Web in my pocket.