As carriers from AT&T to Verizon seem to be concentrating more now on their voice-over-IP (VoIP) services rather than their tentative forays into public Wi-Fi networks, it's interesting that SBC Communications says it plans to use its own burgeoning number of FreedomLink Wi-Fi hotspots to expand the footprint of Cingular Wireless.

The plan, still in the early stage, would "allow customers to also use their phones on Wi-Fi hotspots," says SBC spokesperson Michael Coe.

Despite its recent $41 billion purchase of AT&T Wireless, which would make it the nation's largest cellular carrier, Cingular has fallen behind Verizon, Sprint and other phone companies in the race to modernize its current network. (Cingular is a joint venture between SBC and BellSouth.)

SBC executives see Wi-Fi as an attractive alternative to additional expensive wireless spectrum.

Click here to read the rest of the article on Wi-Fi Planet