Cingular Wireless is testing the SMT 5600 smart phone from UTStarcom Inc. for use on its network and plans to release the device by May. The device was initially introduced by AT&T Wireless Services Inc. before Cingular acquired the carrier, and due to customer demand, Cingular plans to add the device to its own line-up.
However, AT&T Wireless’ Ogo wireless messaging device may not be so lucky. Cingular has not decided whether to add the device to its network, a carrier spokesman said, but indications are that the device will not make the cut. Branded by AT&T Wireless, the innovative Ogo device supported a variety of Internet-based instant messaging services and was based on technology from startup IXI Mobile Inc.
The candybar-style UTStarcom SMT 5600 runs Microsoft Corp.’s Smartphone operating system and features Bluetooth and a miniSD memory card slot. Although Cingular acquired all of AT&T Wireless’ stores and devices last year, the carrier must still modify AT&T Wireless’ devices so they can access all of Cingular’s services. For example, former AT&T Wireless customers must upgrade to a Cingular-certified handset to use the carrier’s Rollover service.
