AT&T Wireless Services Inc. has launched commercial Circuit Data Service in 35 new markets.
CDS is now available to more than 70 percent of AT&T’s cellular coverage area, according to Clayton Foster, the product manager for AT&T Wireless’ wireless data division. “The growth of CDS is an acknowledgment of customer demand,” he said. “It’s very reliable, performs well and works with the dial-up [phone line] applications being used.”
Major cities in the rollout include Seattle, Portland, Ore., Sacramento, Calif., Las Vegas, Miami and Dallas/Fort Worth. These markets are in addition to New York, New Jersey and Pittsburgh, which introduced CDS earlier.
The company said it plans to introduce CDS to a second group of cities later this summer, including Denver, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City and Oklahoma City, bringing coverage to more than 90 percent of its markets.
CDS provides for the circuit-switched transmission of data-primarily large files-at 14.4 kilobits per second. It is a complementary service to the company’s Packet Data Service, which uses Cellular Digital Packet Data technology that is optimized for smaller “bursty” transmissions.
Although circuit-switched transmission has been around as long as cellular voice, carriers are installing modem pool technology at their switching centers to provide a more reliable connection for the user. AT&T claims to have the largest modem pool deployment in the United States.
“The right things have started coming together over the past year for wireless data. Now, we have the coverage to enable people to use the service without worrying about connecting with the network,” Foster said.
He also noted that CDS provides an easy migration path to cellular for applications developers devising dial-up solutions using phone lines.
AT&T also is partnering with Megahertz Brand modem manufacturer U.S. Robotics Mobile Communications to expand retail distribution in its markets.
The AT&T and Megahertz Cellular Modem Bundle includes a special offer of up to 100 minutes of free wireless data air time, a discount offer for AT&T Enhanced FAX Service, a Megahertz PC Card modem and an order coupon for a cable to attach it to a cellular phone.
“The bundle is part of an aggressive effort by AT&T to package and promote wireless data service directly to mobile professionals who need to send e-mail, transmit faxes or check their online service when they don’t have access to a standard phone jack,” Foster said.
The bundle will be distributed by national and regional retailers, including Best Buy and Service Merchandise, the company said.
