ORLANDO, Fla.-AT&T Wireless Services Inc. in Florida announced it will market wireless telephones using an automated kiosk that dispenses ready-to-use cellular phones directly to the customer.
The Interactive Retail Information System, developed by Lightbridge Inc., is fully automated and provides a number of customer services, AT&T said. The stand-alone kiosks allow customers to obtain rate information, equipment prices, examine maps of their local calling area and even purchase a telephone.
“American consumers want a wide array of shopping options*…*from home shopping channels on television to ordering from catalogues through the Internet,” said Bill Oberlink, president of AT&T Wireless Services’ southeast region.
AT&T said the kiosks initially will be located at AT&T Wireless Services stores throughout the state. By early summer, the kiosks will contain a vending capability that will allow them to operate independent of the store locations, the company said.
The kiosks utilize a touch screen video monitor which allows the customer to navigate through a series of topics, AT&T said. Once the customer decides to purchase, the kiosk processes the credit application, and once a customer is approved, dispenses a cellular telephone package.
