REDMOND, Wash.-AT&T Wireless Services Inc. launched its GoPhone spending-limit program that allows credit challenged customers to sign-up for a wireless service plan with cheaper per-minute charges than are typically available through prepaid offerings.
The offering includes a pair of Nokia Corp.’s 3590 GSM handsets that will retail for $90, though the carrier is offering a $20 rebate if the device is purchased through its Web site. AT&T Wireless has said that due to a special pricing arrangement with Nokia it would break even on the sale of the handset, which will help the carrier limit the financial risk of the service compared with competing ASL or prepaid offerings.
Rate plans begin at $20 per month for traditional voice service or $24 per month if the customer wants access to AT&T Wireless’ mMode service with minutes automatically replenished from either a credit card or bank account when they run out as opposed to when a new billing cycle begins.
