AT&T Launches Line of New Quick Messaging Phones

In response to the exploding popularity of text messaging among consumers, AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) today announced a new line of quick messaging mobile phones that are designed to make messaging faster and easier than ever before. Arriving in time for the holiday shopping season, the Pantech Matrix(TM) is available today and the Samsung Propel(TM) and Pantech Slate(TM) will hit stores in late October, followed by the AT&T Quickfire(TM) in November.

All four new mobile phones feature full QWERTY keypads, allowing everyone from newbie messengers to textaholics to send text, picture, video and instant messages with ease. The new phones allow customers to quickly and discreetly access all those useful letters and numbers.

A recent Nielsen study suggests that some U.S. consumers now use their cell phones for text messaging more than they do for talking, making this new line of phones from AT&T perfect for many users. In the company's second quarter earnings, AT&T reported text messaging volumes had tripled compared with the same period in 2007.

"This new line of mobile phones will be a hit with both the text messaging generation and users who want to more easily use other functions on their phone, from mobile e-mail to typing in a search term on the pre-installed YELLOWPAGES.COM," said Carlton Hill, vice president of Devices and Product Development for AT&T's wireless operations. "For a lot of reasons, more buttons are better."

All quick messaging phones are compatible with AT&T's messaging bundles that offer 200, 1,500 and unlimited messaging for $5, $15 and $20, respectively. AT&T FamilyTalk(R) plan customers can get unlimited messaging for all lines for $30.

"As texting continues to win over more people, unlimited messaging bundles become even more valuable for customers and their families," said Mark Collins, vice president of Consumer Products for AT&T's wireless unit. "These phones are perfect for our customers who want a full keypad to help their fingers fly faster when they send messages but don't need corporate e-mail access or other smartphone features."

The Pantech Matrix is available today in navy blue and black with green and will be available Oct. 16 in red. It is $79.99 with a two-year agreement and mail-in rebate(1), and it features the unique dual-sliding, double-keypad design that is found on the popular Pantech Duo(TM) smartphone in AT&T stores. The Matrix features a 1.3 megapixel camera, instant messaging, Mobile Email, AT&T Navigator, AT&T Mobile Music, CV, AT&T Video Share(SM) calling and more.

A square slider with the best of AT&T's entertainment offerings such as instant messaging, Mobile Email, AT&T Navigator, CV, AT&T Video Share calling, AT&T Mobile Music, a 1.3 megapixel camera and more, the Samsung Propel slides upward for easy access to its full QWERTY keypad. Also available for $79.99 after a two-year agreement and mail-in rebate(1), the Propel will be available in late October in blue, green, red, and white with red.

The world's thinnest device with a full QWERTY keypad, the Pantech Slate will retail for $49.99 after a two-year agreement and mail-in rebate(1). A bar-style phone with a 1.3 megapixel camera, instant messaging, Mobile Email and Bluetooth(R) connectivity, the Slate is available in black with royal blue and will also be available in late October.

A slider boasting a touch screen in addition to the full keypad, the AT&T Quickfire can read messages in portrait or landscape mode and also download music over the nation's fastest 3G network with Napster Mobile and eMusic Mobile. The AT&T Quickfire will be available in November in orange, lime and silver for $99.99 after a two-year agreement and mail-in rebate(1).

(1) For both the Matrix and Propel pay $129.99, and after mail-in rebate, receive $50 AT&T promotion card. For the Slate, pay $99.99, and after mail-in rebate, receive $50 AT&T promotion card. For the Quickfire, pay $149.99, and after mail-in rebate, receive $50 AT&T promotion card. A two-year service agreement is also required. AT&T promotion card valid wherever major credit cards are accepted and for 120 days after issue date. May be used to pay wireless bill. Not redeemable for cash and cannot be used for cash withdrawal at ATMs or at automated gas pumps.

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. In 2008, AT&T again ranked No. 1 on Fortune magazine's World's Most Admired Telecommunications Company list and No. 1 on America's Most Admired Telecommunications Company list.

Source: AT&T