T-Mobile Offers Three Months Free Hotspot Access To Vista Users

T-Mobile USA and Microsoft will launch a three-month free wireless access promotion Friday, just days before Windows Vista releases to retail, the two companies said Thursday.

Windows Vista-equipped laptops -- and only Vista -- will be able to connect at any of the more than 8,200 North American T-Mobile hotspots free of charge through April 30.

T-Mobile powers the broadband wireless access points at retail locations such as Starbucks, Borders Books, and FedEx Kinko, as well as at airports, universities, and hotel chains, including Hyatt and Red Roof Inn.

"This offer actually goes live on Friday 26th and will not receive further promotion until January 30th," said Nick White, a program manager with the Vista team, on the group's blog.

Vista debuts in retail next Tuesday, Jan. 30.

More information on the promotion is available on this Web site.