Verizon Mulling WiFi “Marketing Stunt”

We consider cable’s local WiFi initiatives to be nothing more than a marketing stunt.

–Verizon spokesperson Rich Young, Feb. 28, 2009

Looks like AT&T (T) and Cablevision’s decision to offer free WiFi to their subscribers has gotten a competitive rise out of Verizon (VZ), which just a few months ago was dismissing such efforts as “marketing stunts.” The Wall Street Journal reports that Verizon plans to offer its subscribers free Wi-Fi hotspot access via a partnership with Boingo Wireless. Discussions between the two companies are still progressing, but a deal is expected sometime soon with service debuting this summer — perhaps in preparation for the launch of that media tablet Verizon’s rumored to be talking to Apple (AAPL) about.