America Online Inc. said it will stop selling and supporting its Mobile Communicator, which is based on Research In Motion Ltd.’s BlackBerry device.
According to AOL’s Internet site, the Mobile Communicator service will shut down Aug. 1. On the site, AOL suggested its customers move to different devices, including the T-Mobile USA Inc. Sidekick, a mobile phone, or a Palm- or Pocket PC-based personal digital assistant. AOL was not immediately available for comment.
“Your loyalty to AOL as a valued member is of the utmost importance to us, and we hope to make your transition to a new wireless device as smooth and as easy as possible,” the company said in its advisement to customers.
The move does not come as a total surprise; AOL seems to have met with little success with its Mobile Communicator. In 2001, AOL drastically cut the price of the device from about $300 to about $100, and rumors have long circulated that AOL would discontinue the device.
That AOL is promoting the T-Mobile Sidekick also comes as little surprise. AOL signed a deal with Sidekick maker Danger Inc. in March to offer its instant messaging and e-mail services over the device.
