AT&T won't be offering complimentary Wi-Fi access to iPhone users in the near future and the company seems to be moving in the other direction, though still offering a freebie in the process.

On Tuesday, the wireless provider began to offer free access to several thousand Wi-Fi hotspots around the United States to customers subscribed to their data service through their 3G data card.

According to Boy Genius Report, the offer may include smartphones, as the following internal memo was intercepted:

Effective tomorrow, May 20th, the long-awaited FREE WiFi Access to over 17,000 WiFi locations throughout the U.S. launches for Laptop Connect Customers with plans $60 or higher. This exciting new feature will allow customers unlimited access to over 17,000 WiFi locations at no extra charge including locations in Starbucks and McDonalds. Customers will need three things for this free access:

-A laptop card. FREE WiFi for Smartphones is not available yet, but will be later in 2008.
-The latest version of Communication Manager (version 6.8). Once loaded this version will automatically log onto AT&T hotspots.
-A Laptop Connect plan of $60 or greater.

Not the best news in the world, but still a far cry from the free Wi-Fi access for iPhones that was briefly offered in assorted Starbucks locations a few weeks back.

Let us know what you think over in the comments or forums.