WETHERSFIELD, Conn.-Shared Technologies Cellular Inc. and its retail partner Direct To Retail Associates L.P. announced the launch of a program to provide prepaid cellular phones through major retailers.
DTR is working with major retailers to secure floor space and national ads for the prepaid program, which features the Philips ISIS phone, Telemac technology and STC’s CellEaser prepaid service. Major mass merchandisers and chain stores have responded favorably, and deliveries to retailers are expected to begin as early as this quarter, said STC.
An ad campaign starring Dick Clark is supporting the retail rollout.
“This is a significant breakthrough-it is one of the first times retailers have been provided with a national footprint program for selling cellular phones with a self-service customer program,” said Raymond J. Wysocki, Direct To Retail’s president. “Self-service cellular is potentially the next VCR or microwave for all retailers in terms of incremental volume and profits.
“It’s a product that will sell in all classes of trade, from mass merchants to chain drug stores to wholesale clubs, and even, eventually, supermarkets,” he continued.
STC said Kmart has committed to the Philips ISIS prepaid phone and CellEase program on a national basis.
