Cingular Wireless has introduced its first offering of “Data Connect” service, a wireless Internet service package that allows users to access corporate information, browse the Web, manage e-mail and more from laptops and PDAs.
Cingular is previewing the new product, which is expected to become commercially available in June, through demonstrations this week at its WAVE 2002 conference being held at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando, FL. Cingular is the second largest wireless carrier in the country and a join venture between Atlanta-based BellSouth (NYSE: BLS) and SBC Communications (NYSE: SBC).
According to Cingular, its new Data Connect service gives customers the ability to wirelessly access their corporate Intranet, share files, send and receive emails, access the Internet with the same freedom as on a PC.
The software-based Data Connect solution also allows customers to use their Cingular mobile phone as a wireless modem for their laptop or PDA. With Data Connect, Cingular Wireless acts as the Internet Service Provider (ISP) and intends to expand corporate content, offer business applications, and enable businesses to customize the My Wireless Window portal.
Customers will have two Data Connect kits from which to choose, Cingular says. One, which includes easy-to-install CD software only, is priced at $19.99. The other, which comes with the software as well as either a serial or USB connection, is $49.99. They will be sold in Cingular retail stores and distributed through Cingular’s direct sales force.
Cingular Wireless: www.cingular.com
