AT&T and Microsoft to deliver wireless services

REDMOND, Wash. -- AT&T Wireless and Microsoft's MSN have formed an alliance that will offer consumers subscriptions to MSN Mobile services delivered through AT&T Wireless’ mMode-capable phones nationwide by the end of the year. The deal will give AT&T Wireless customers mobile access to MSN network content, their MSN Hotmail e-mail accounts, MSN Messenger and other offerings as a premium paid service.

The latest alliance between longtime collaborators Microsoft and AT&T Wireless extends MSN Hotmail, the Web-based e-mail service with a claimed 130 million active users worldwide; MSN Messenger, the free instant messaging solution; and the suite of MSN Mobile services to AT&T Wireless’ large customer base. AT&T Wireless mMode customers will be able to add an MSN Mobile subscription to their service; customers with text-messaging phones can subscribe to MSN Mobile two-way text-messaging services.

"This new agreement significantly enhances Microsoft’s long-standing relationship with AT&T Wireless, and will provide our mutual customers with wireless access to familiar MSN services that offer a convenient way to stay in touch with the people and information that matter most," said Brian Arbogast, a corporate vice president in the MSN and Personal Services Division at Microsoft Corp. "We’re setting the stage for MSN and AT&T Wireless to bring even more advanced services to customers, who are increasingly seeking access to a diverse range of data services on their phones and other devices.

"mMode brings together e-mail, Internet-based content, games and more, all in one place on the wireless phone. Unveiled earlier this week, a newly enhanced version of mMode features a more user-friendly design and interface, powerful personalization tools, exclusive navigation features, and a host of new applications for daily use in a mobile environment.

"Thanks to this new agreement with Microsoft, mMode customers will soon benefit from the richness of services provided by MSN," said Sam Hall, vice president of mMode services at AT&T Wireless. "It’s clear to us that customers are looking for a simple way to access MSN services while on the go, and together with Microsoft, we’ll be delivering that capability across dozens of handsets in the weeks ahead.

"MSN Mobile provides users with wireless access to core MSN two-way communication applications and notifications on a range of mobile devices, from basic text-messaging phones to mMode-enabled phones. According to the joint announcement, MSN Mobile services available to AT&T Wireless subscribers include the following:

MSN Hotmail. Allows subscribers to read and reply to messages and receive mobile alerts when important e-mail arrives

MSN Messenger. Allows users to chat wirelessly with family and friends virtually anywhere

MSN Mobile Web. Enables a mobile device to browse MSN for weather, news, sports, horoscopes and other information -- whenever and wherever users need it mostMSN Calendar. Provides one-way mobile alerts for important dates such as birthdays and anniversaries

MSN Alerts. Delivers customized alerts for weather, news, sports, stocks, traffic, horoscopes and more

Earlier this week, AT&T Wireless began offering what was described as "the fastest national mobile wireless data service in North America," enabling businesses to improve productivity by unwiring their operations and providing mobile professionals unmatched coverage and speed.

AT&T Wireless took center stage at COMDEX in Las Vegas as it announced the availability of EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution), a significant upgrade to its Next Generation wireless network. EDGE offers average data speeds between 100-130 kbps -- nearly twice as fast as other national mobile wireless networks and up to three times faster than traditional wired dial-up services.

"EDGE gives customers a much-enhanced wireless experience, providing data speeds dramatically faster than 'so-called' 3G services offered by other wireless companies," said John Zeglis, Chairman and CEO of AT&T Wireless. "It boosts the efficiency of a business' work force by giving mobile employees fast and easy access to the same business applications they have in their office. EDGE speeds will make it simpler for people to be as productive when they are on the go as they are in their home or office.

"With EDGE, our customers now have access to the fastest national mobile wireless connections and advanced services in North America. That puts us way ahead of the wireless pack, and it gives business customers another compelling reason to be with AT&T Wireless."