AT&T has announced the availability of free Wi-Fi access for iPhone users at thousands of hotspots nationwide. Wi-Fi is also available in Starbucks restaurants. A handy Starbucks location finder is available from AT&T's website.

According to the first reports, AT&T has already sent text messages to iPhone users, informing them of the new service. The company's official website reveals:

Access the Internet anytime

AT&T knows Wi-Fi is hot, and FREE Wi-Fi is even hotter. Which is why FREE AT&T Wi-Fi access is now available for Apple iPhone at thousands of hotspots nationwide, including Starbucks. Users can relax and access music, email and web browsing services with their favorite blend in hand from the comfort of their nearest location.

AT&T claims to support “thousands of AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot locations nationwide,” spanning airports, hotels, universities, convention centers, Starbucks locations and other restaurants, as well as bookstores and even supermarkets. However, quite a few steps are required to make use of AT&T's new Wi-Fi service on your iPhone:

- Activate Wi-Fi from the settings icon on your iPhone.

- Select “attwifi” from the list of available networks.

- Enter your 10-digit mobile number and check the box to agree to the Acceptable Use Policy. Tap “continue.”

- You will receive a text message from AT&T with a secure link to the AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot. You will not be charged for the text message.

- The SMS link will only be valid for 24 hours at the location it was requested. Another request must be submitted when using another hotspot location.

- Open the text message and tap on the link for 24-hour access to the AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot.

The company also reveals that Wi-Fi-ing is possible from your MacBook as well. “Whether you browse from your laptop, phone, or device AT&T is committed to enhancing your experience by providing powerful broadband speeds. This allows for fast and easy downloads of your favorite music, streaming videos, games, and more,” says AT&T.

Check out AT&T new offer here, or use the Starbucks location finder to locate a Starbucks coffeehouse near you.