VoiceStream Wireless Introduces Wireless Email; Customers Now Able to Receive Internet Email Messages on VoiceStream Phones

Business Wire, Oct 6, 1997

ISSAQUAH, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 6, 1997--Receiving email messages directly on a wireless phone is now possible with VoiceStream(R) Wireless' (NASDAQ:WWCA) new wireless email service, Stream.

The @Stream service enables VoiceStream customers to receive email messages through the Internet directly on their completely digital personal communications services (PCS) phones.

@Stream gives customers another tool for receiving messages inexpensively and efficiently. "Since email has become an integral part of the way people stay in touch both professionally and personally, @Stream makes perfect sense, whether people need to receive messages from clients or family members," said Robert Dotson, VoiceStream's vice president of marketing.

Different than short text message services, @Stream enables customers to receive email messages from anyone with access to the Internet. The @Stream user can either use the phone's dedicated email address ("customer name"@voicestream.net) or have email messages forwarded from an existing home or office email address. When a message is sent to the address, it is converted and sent to the VoiceStream phone as a text message.

The VoiceStream phone accepts messages up to 160 characters, and longer messages can be broken into multiple 160-character messages. Those with Internet access but without email capabilities can send free messages to @Stream users through VoiceStream's Web site (www.voicestream.com).

Other @Stream features include: -0- -- Delivery Control: Enables users to control which email messages are or are not sent to the phone, limits the number of messages received, deletes duplicate messages and schedules message delivery.

-- Message Compression: Abbreviates words to shorten the number of characters in message.

-- Email forwarding: Forwards @Stream messages to and from any other email address. -0-

"We are responding to the needs of VoiceStream customers with the goal of making communication affordable and simple," added Dotson. "Simplifying communication means enabling customers to receive messages however it's most convenient."

There are now more than 50 million wireless phone users in the United States (Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association). In 1994 there were more than 800 billion email messages sent and by the end of the year 2000, it is projected that the number will climb to 6 trillion (Electronic Messaging Association).

The cost of @Stream service is $8 per month. @Stream is a subscription service provided by Wireless Services Corp. of Bellevue, Wash., and additional hardware or software is not required by the sender or receiver. Customers can get more information on VoiceStream's @Stream wireless email by calling toll-free 800/937-8997.

VoiceStream(R) Wireless is the brand name for personal communications services offered by Western Wireless Corp., a leading provider of wireless communication services in the western United States. Based in Issaquah, Wash., Western Wireless currently offers its VoiceStream service in 10 states.

CONTACT: Western Wireless

Susan Sercu, 425/313-7877

susan.sercu@wwireless.com