Found a couple interesting things reported in today's edition of Fierce Wireless ...
AT&T Wireless launches U.S. i-mode: mMode
AT&T Wireless today launched the U.S. version of NTTDoCoMo's popular i-mode mobile Internet service, called mMode. AT&T is launching mMode in 12 U.S. markets, with more coming later this year. MMode offers users a variety of entertainment and information services, including email, instant messaging, news, weather, sports, and games. Pricing is based on data volume, with plans starting at $2.99 per month. The service works with GSM/GPRS-compatible i-mode phones with AT&T offering three compatible models: the Sony Ericsson T68, the Nokia 8390 and the Motorola Timeport P7382I.
DoCoMo purchased a 16 percent stake in AT&T Wireless last year, forcing the U.S. carrier to switch from its TDMA network to GSM/GPRS and to offer i-mode services. DoCoMo has made similar investments in other carriers worldwide. DoCoMo partner KPN recently launched a European version of i-mode in Germany.
For more on mMode:
- read this article from allNetDevices and this story from the Seattle Times.
Cingular and AT&T Wireless in merger talks
Bloomberg News
According to a report from Bloomberg, sources have revealed that Cingular and AT&T Wireless are in merger talks. The talks are preliminary and no transaction is imminent, the report said. U.S. wireless companies are expected to add customers at the slowest rate ever this year, a factor which many expect will drive consolidation as carriers aim to cut expenses. Cingular and AT&T Wireless, the second- and third-largest U.S. wireless carriers respectively, would cut costs by operating a larger network and eliminating sales and marketing duplications. The rumor, if true, would confirm other similar rumors that have been floating around the two carriers in recent months.
Tuesday, April 16, 2002
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