Wireless: AT&T launches online buying for wireless products and services; largest wireless carrier to offer automated online store - Company Business and Marketing

EDGE, On & About AT&T, Nov 2, 1998

Consumers in cities across the nation can now shop for AT&T wireless products and services using their personal computer and the Internet. AT&T is the largest wireless service provider to open an automated online store on its Web site. At the site, http://www.att.com/wireless/ , consumers and small businesses can get help in assessing their wireless needs and service availability, shop for the right wireless service plan, "try out" wireless phones, place their order and make their purchase -- all in a series of easy steps.

Customers will receive their activated phone and rate plan within four business days after purchase. For a limited time, the $25 activation fee will be waived. Each purchase includes a risk-free trial where the customer is responsible for airtime usage, but can return the equipment for a refund during the first 30 days. "Our online phone store uses the power of the Internet to give customers another choice in buying wireless products and services that best fit their needs," said Anne Gordon, vice president of National Marketing, AT&T Wireless Services. "The online store, along with a redesign of our entire Web site, was driven by feedback from customers across the country. As Internet commerce becomes increasingly popular, customers told us they wanted the site to be intuitive, simple to navigate, customer oriented, safe for submitting personal information and fun to visit." At the online store, customers can purchase a variety of AT&T Digital PCS phones and service plans online, including AT&T Digital One Rate and others. A "Wireless Advisor" feature will help them determine the best plan for their needs in the area in which they live or work. The customer can also explore the site to check on coverage maps, breeze through calling plans, take a tour of the "phone showroom" and visit Customer Service for answers to questions. Information and choices on products and price plans are clearly displayed and easy to review. Customers can also research additional AT&T Wireless products and services including wireless data solutions such as AT&T PocketNet Service, AT&T CellCard for international wireless service and Wireless Office Service for business use. To purchase these products, customers can select toll free numbers to call or access a list of the nearest AT&T Stores to visit. AT&T Wireless Services Inc. operates the largest digital wireless network in North America providing wireless voice, data and aviation communication services. At the end of third quarter, 1998, AT&T Wireless Services Inc. had 9.1 million total wireless subscribers which included 4.2 million AT&T Digital PCS customers on a proportional count. AT&T Wireless Services Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of AT&T Corp., the world's leader in telecommunications services and technology.