AT&T WiFi hotspot use skyrockets in Q1

"For example, as we deploy our U-Verse technology, we'll be taking high-bandwidth services to the home," de la Vega said. "When you're in your home, there's no reason to use a wireless network. You have a broadband connection at the home you can use with WiFi. There are ways to offload networks using WiFi and therefore minimize the need for additional spectrum or additional bandwidth."

At a media and analyst luncheon at CTIA Wireless, de la Vega expanded on the topic, saying AT&T saw WiFi as a means to open its network to any portable or mobile device regardless of whether it had a 3G radio. Just because a digital camera or MP3 player doesn't have cellular connectivity doesn't mean AT&T can't sell services for it over home and hotspot networks.

"A lot of [device vendors] can't afford to put a 3G radio in their device, but they can afford to put WiFi," de la Vega said. "With WiFi we can support them, not just here, but anywhere in the world."