Anyone know much about this service from AT&T?
07:56 ET AT&T (T) 55 3/4: Company announces introduction of broadband wireless Internet service in the Fort Worth, Texas area. AT&T will use fixed wireless technology to deliver broadband connectivity for $34.95/month. Suggests additional competitive pressures for cable and DSL.
Regards, Mark
Here's more...
AT&T 'Cuts the Cord' to Provide Services Into Homes Debuts Nation's First Wireless Local Communications Company
Fixed Wireless Technology Offers Savings on High-Speed Data and Voice Services
March 22, 2000 07:38 AM
FORT WORTH, Texas, March 22 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T Wireless Services today announced it will begin offering Fort Worth residential customers high-speed Internet access and all-distance voice services through the nation's first wireless local communications company to deliver services to homes. Fort Worth is the first of several cities where AT&T plans to commercially introduce AT&T Digital Broadband fixed wireless service for consumers. The new service allows customers to choose a local service provider, delivers "always on" high-speed Internet access up to 12 times faster than traditional dial-up modems and offers competitive long distance rates -- all in one package and on a single bill.
(Logo: newscom.com )
AT&T Digital Broadband, which uses AT&T patented fixed wireless technology, "cuts the cord" -- literally -- between the traditional central office or switching center and a consumer's home by eliminating the copper wire connection necessary for land-line communications.
"We're using ground-breaking technology to deliver choice and new services to customers. This is a great opportunity for AT&T Wireless and our potential customers," said John D. Zeglis, president of AT&T and chairman and CEO of the Wireless Group. "We're ready for prime time."
Depending on the services selected, Fort Worth customers can save up to 25 percent off similar services currently offered by local telephone companies. AT&T also provides one free network interface card required for high-speed data services and allows customers to use their current phones and keep their existing phone numbers. AT&T Digital Broadband supports up to four phone lines and provides several of the most popular special calling features.
"We're delivering on our promise to give customers advanced communications services at very affordable prices," said Michael Keith, CEO and President for AT&T's fixed wireless division. "Fort Worth is a great launching pad."
The AT&T Digital Broadband fixed wireless network provides flexibility and cost savings for customers and AT&T by allowing technicians to upgrade customers' services with future improvements and efficiencies from a remote location. This ensures customers will always have the latest technology and services, without having to leave the comfort of their homes. For example, AT&T recently upgraded data channels for Dallas trial customers from 256kbps to 512kbps, and will increase speeds to 1MB per channel by the end of the summer. Customers also didn't have to purchase a new modem and AT&T didn't need to schedule a service visit.
HOW AT&T DIGITAL BROADBAND WORKS
Voice and data signals are transmitted between nearby "base stations" and a small antenna installed on the exterior of a customer's home. Line-of-sight between a "base station" and customer's home is not required. A wire connection is made from the antenna to a control unit in the home. The control unit is then connected to an existing inside phone wiring jack and an AC power supply outlet.
Customers taking advantage of the "always on" high-speed wireless data services of AT&T Digital Broadband can have AT&T technicians install commercially available network interface cards in their PCs -- the first card is free. Homes connected to the service also have the capability of enabling a Local Area Network (LAN) that can link up to five computers installed with compatible network interface cards. Each computer can use the high-speed data connection to do everything from surfing the Internet to making a video call at the same time.
Additionally, customers selecting the high-speed data service can make voice calls even when they are surfing the Internet. This feature provides the flexibility sometimes required when they need to speak with a customer service agent as they shop online.
PRICING OPTIONS
Customers can select a single voice line with Caller ID, call waiting and three-way calling services for $25.95 a month. The service includes unlimited local calling, in state long distance rates of seven cents per minute, and seven cents per minute for all direct-dialed state-to-state calls. Additional phone lines are available for seven dollars a month.
High-speed data service is available for $34.95 a month. Internet access, provided by AT&T WorldNet(R) Service, is "always on," so customers do not need to dial-up between online sessions, provided the customer initiates one Internet action within each 24-hour period.
Customers may order AT&T Digital Broadband by calling 1-877-ATT-DGTL (1-877-288-3485.)
About AT&T
AT&T Corp. is among the world's premier voice and data communications companies, serving more than 80 million customers, including consumers, businesses, and government. With annual revenues of more than $53 billion and 151,000 employees, AT&T provides services to customers worldwide.
Backed by the research and development capabilities of AT&T Labs, the company runs the world's largest, most sophisticated communications network and has one of the largest digital wireless networks in North America. The company is a leading supplier of data and Internet services for businesses and offers outsourcing, consulting and networking-integration to large businesses. It is also the nation's largest direct Internet access service for consumers. Through its recent cable acquisitions, AT&T will bring its bundle of broadband video, voice and data services to customers throughout the United States. Internationally, the AT&T/BT Global Venture -- recently named Concert -- will serve the communications needs of multinational companies and international carriers worldwide.
SOURCE AT&T
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