This could be bad news for PTEL... I think Sprint will be the sixth competitor in the market (Bell South, AirTouch, ATT, PTEL, Nextel, and Sprint) Atlanta is already one of the highest penetrated markets in the US, so it is not going to get an easier for PTEL since they probably have the weakest brand recognition out of the group.
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 11,
1999--
Wireless Carrier Brings the Clear Alternative to
Cellular to Area
Consumers and Businesses
Local wireless consumers will enjoy new levels of clarity, coverage and
value as Sprint PCS expands the nation's first and largest all-digital network
into Atlanta and surrounding communities.
"Our Atlanta-area customers will join more than 1.75 million satisfied
customers in 221 metropolitan markets across the country," said Brad
Mitchell, Sprint PCS area vice president for Atlanta and east Tennessee.
"While other wireless companies offer partial digital service, Sprint PCS is
the first to build a 100 percent digital, 100 percent PCS system from the
ground up - and our customers across the country are enjoying the
difference in terms of better connections, better service and better value."
With the official Atlanta service launch Jan. 11, Sprint PCS customers will
immediately enjoy a large local calling area that spans metropolitan Atlanta
and its surrounding seven counties. From the start, Sprint PCS will provide
contiguous coverage on I-75 north through Knoxville, TN; on I-85 north
through Commerce, GA; south through Spalding County; east through
Athens, GA; and west to Carroll County. When fully built out in 1999, the
Sprint PCS network expects to offer extensive coverage throughout
Georgia, including major highways and the cities of Macon, Augusta,
Savannah, Columbus, and Rome.
The Sprint PCS service uses Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), the
most advanced wireless technology available, offering superior voice quality,
security and voice and data capability.
"As part of an established all-digital nationwide network, customers will be
able to enjoy the clarity and convenience of Sprint PCS as they travel
throughout the United States," said Carlton Hill, Sprint PCS district director
in Atlanta. "For businesses and consumers alike, the benefits of the Sprint
PCS expansive statewide and nationwide network will fundamentally change
how Georgia customers use their wireless service."
A Sprint PCS phone is a versatile communications device, incorporating
voicemail, Caller ID, three-way calling, national short messaging service and
other enhanced services in a simple, easy-to- use package. Sprint PCS
phones are also expected to have wireless data communications capabilities
later this year.
Sprint PCS is opening five retail stores at the following area locations: Sandy
Springs Crossing, 6690 Roswell Road, Ste. 1100A, Atlanta; Akers Mill
Square, 2951 Cobb Pkwy, Atlanta; Brookwood Village, 1925 Peachtree
Road NE, Atlanta; Gwinnett Marketfair, 3675 Satellite Blvd. NW, Duluth;
and Southlake, 2007 Mt. Zion Rd, Morrow. In addition, Sprint PCS service
will be available through retail chains, such as RadioShack, Best Buy, Circuit
City, Office Depot, OfficeMax and many other locally based retail outlets.
Sprint PCS phones have suggested retail prices ranging from $99 to $199.
During the launch period, which runs through early March, Sprint PCS will
offer customers a special launch package that includes rates of $29.99 a
month for 120 minutes of calling, and $49.99 a month for 500 minutes of
calling; both plans include free long distance calling. During launch, Sprint
PCS will also offer a $50 rebate with the purchase of any new Sprint PCS
handset. The standard rate plans that will be offered at all times include a
$16.99 plan that comes with 15 minutes of calling and a $99.99 plan that
comes with1,000 minutes of calling including free long distance.
Sprint PCS has invested more than $300 million and has employed more
than 200 people to build its Atlanta network, which will enable the company
to offer the most extensive coverage in major cities throughout Georgia and
in neighboring states. Sprint PCS service will be extended to other parts of
Georgia through affiliation agreements Sprint PCS has signed with AirGate
Wireless LLC, Georgia PCS and Enterprise PCS.
Nortel is providing the CDMA network infrastructure equipment for the
Sprint PCS network in Georgia. Matt Desch, president of Wireless
Networks for Nortel, said: "The Atlanta launch is historic for Sprint PCS
and a proud moment for us all, particularly since network construction began
little more than a year ago. In line with our long-term strategic alliance with
Sprint PCS, we at Nortel are excited to be providing state-of-the-art
wireless digital technology and a broad portfolio of PCS services for what
will be the first single-technology nationwide PCS network. The entire
venture has challenged all parties to new heights of creativity and innovation.
We are very pleased to be a member of the team."
Sprint PCS operates the largest 100 percent digital, 100 percent PCS
nationwide wireless network in the United States, already serving the
majority of the nation's metropolitan areas including more than 4,000 cities
and communities across the country. Sprint PCS has licensed PCS coverage
of nearly 270 million people in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin
Islands. For more information, visit the Sprint PCS web site at
http:/www.sprintpcs.com. Sprint PCS is a wholly-owned tracking group of
[ Sprint Corporation ] trading on the NYSE under the symbol "PCS."
Sprint is a global communications company at the forefront of integrating
long distance, local and wireless communications services and one of the
world's largest carriers of Internet traffic. Sprint has built and operates the
United States' only nationwide all- digital, fiber optic network and is the
leader in advanced data communications services. Sprint has $15 billion in
annual revenues and serves more than 17 million business and residential
customers.
(Copyright 1999) |
