DALLAS-In response to a recent study finding that nearly half of potential wireless users want to purchase phones from more familiar retail outlets, Southwestern Bell has introduced a complete wireless phone package, called Go-Kit.
Go-Kits include a Motorola Profile 300 handset, a battery, a charger/transformer and complete instructions. Customers can sign up for one of three wireless service plans by calling a toll-free number. All plans include service to more than 20,000 cities nationwide.
Subscribers can choose from traditional post-paid service with a minimum one-year service agreement, month-to-month post-paid service with no service agreement, or prepaid wireless service with no contract. Post-paid customers can choose from a variety of rate plans.
Go-Kits now are available in selected Best Buy and Circuit City stores in Texas, Missouri and Arkansas. Southwestern Bell plans to expand the offering to other retailers in Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas next year, and eventually plans to offer digital and analog packages to a variety of national and regional retailers.
“This is a win-win product for department stores and discount retailers because they can now add wireless phones to their product offering without devoting resources to service issues,” said Janie Weeks, Southwestern Bell Wireless Go-Kit product manager.
Retailers purchase Go-Kits at wholesale and sell at retail, just like any other product. Southwestern Bell will offer service plans for all Go-Kit customers, regardless of credit status, meaning fewer returns for retailers, the company said.
The suggested retail price for a Go-Kit is $140, which includes all equipment and activation fees. Carrier rebates of up to $100 also are available.
