REDMOND, Wash.—AT&T Wireless launched its consumer-oriented mMode service offering designed to provide customers with access to a number of communication, information and entertainment services using the carrier’s GSM/GPRS network.
AT&T Wireless said the service, derived from Japanese partner NTT DoCoMo Inc.’s i-mode service, will be divided into three functions and three pricing plans.
The functions include “Connect,” which will include communications-intensive activities, such as instant messaging and e-mail services; “Manage,” which will include updating a calendar, looking up a phone number or finding an ATM; and “Entertain,” which will include games, looking up sports scores or finding a restaurant.
The three per-Megabyte pricing plans, dubbed Mini, Mega and Max, begin at $3 per month for no included data and usage charged at 2 cents per kilobyte, ramp up to $8 per month for one included Megabyte and 1 cent per kilobyte overage and top out at $12.50 per month for 2 included Megabits and 1 cent per kilobyte overage.
The service will be initially available in AT&T Wireless’ GSM/GPRS markets of Chicago; Detroit; Indianapolis; Seattle; Las Vegas; Phoenix; Portland, Ore.; Kansas City, Mo.; and Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa/St. Petersburg and West Palm Beach, Fla. Service in San Diego is expected to be launched later this month.
