AT&T Wireless Offers Services On 2.5G NetworkAT&T Wireless Offers Services On 2.5G Network

AT&T Wireless has begun to offer advanced wireless data services on its new 2.5 next-generation mobile voice and data network to business customers in its Seattle hometown.

According to the company, its new global system-for-mobile-communications and general-packet-radio-service network can help business users access corporate data at speeds up to 10 times faster than speeds currently available on today's wireless networks.

To access the high-speed services, business customers will need to purchase new mobile phones that run on the 2.5G network. AT&T Wireless is offering the new Motorola Timeport wireless phone, which can access corporate Intranet sites, E-mail, and other corporate data. The new phone can also be linked to notebook computers or handheld devices from Compaq and Microsoft via a wired cable or infrared ports. The phone acts as a modem when using the phone and Compaq iPAQ together, for example, says Roderick Nelson, senior VP and chief technology officer of AT&T Wireless. The Motorola phone and AT&T Wireless 2.5G network currently are not compatible with Palm handheld devices.

Given the 2.5G promise of always-on availability to Internet access on mobile phones, plenty of consumers and business users will spend the money for new devices that can access the high-speed wireless network, says Telechoice senior consultant Eric Rasmussen. "Leading edge technology adopters will use this service," he says. "A lot of teenagers will use this to play games or send files and business users will use it to be more productive by accessing corporate E-mail and calendars."

AT&T Wireless plans to deploy the 2.5G service in Portland, Oregon, and Las Vegas this year. The service is $50 per month and the Motorola Timeport wireless phone is priced at $199. Hardware and software for linking the phones to handheld devices costs extra.