Showing there is still fight left in the dog, AT&T Wireless Services Inc. launched its new GSM America rate plans, which provide consumers with no roaming charges anywhere in the United States for both voice and data services. The carrier also said that through upgrades to its network and new roaming agreements, its national GSM network covers approximately 1.2 million square miles.
The new plans, which will be available April 18, begin at $40 per month for 450 anytime calling minutes as well as unlimited mobile-to-mobile calling when on the AWS GSM network. AWS is also continuing to offer its unlimited night and weekend calling minutes beginning at 7 p.m. for customers who sign up for GSM America’s plans starting at $60 per month.
AWS customers currently pay roaming charges when not using the carrier’s GSM network, though many of AWS’ roaming partners, including Cingular Wireless L.L.C. and T-Mobile USA Inc., allow their customers to roam onto other GSM networks without paying roaming charges.
The carrier also said it has strengthened its own network in many markets with the implementation of GSM equipment using the 850 MHz spectrum bands, and all new devices it launches this year will include 850 MHz GSM capabilities.
“In addition to expanding its reach, we continue to aggressively improve the quality of our GSM network,” said Michael Keith, president of AWS’ mobility operations. “In many major markets, we have installed hardware and software that significantly improves our customers’ wireless calling experience.”
AWS added that it will begin a new advertising campaign April 19 highlighting the new GSM America plans using the tag line, “How many bars do you have?” referring to a wireless handset’s signal-strength bars.
