Cingular Wireless L.L.C. is testing Audiovox’s Windows Mobile smart phone for use on its network, a move indicative of the complications surrounding the carrier’s combination with AT&T Wireless Services Inc. AT&T Wireless sold the Audiovox smart phone before the merger.
Since its acquisition of AT&T Wireless, Cingular has been working to assimilate AT&T Wireless’ phone line-up. The carrier said it is considering adding AT&T Wireless’ Audiovox STM 5600 smart phone to its own line of phones. The phone is still available through Cingular retail outlets that were previously AT&T Wireless stores, as well as through Internet retailers and some business-to-business outlets.
Although Cingular and AT&T Wireless operate similar networks and sell many of the same devices, AT&T Wireless customers cannot take advantage of all of Cingular’s rate plans. They must upgrade to a new Cingular-approved handset to sign up for Cingular’s “rollover” promotion, for example, because they must have specific Cingular software in their phones. Thus, Cingular must re-certify all AT&T Wireless devices before selling them on the Cingular network.
The Audiovox STM 5600 features Microsoft Corp.’s Windows Mobile smart-phone operating system, as well as Bluetooth, a memory card slot and an integrated digital camera.
In other advanced phone news, Verizon Wireless is now offering Kyocera Wireless Corp.’s new KX2 megapixel camera phone. The device, dubbed the Koi, is selling for $150 with a two-year contract.
