AT&T (NYSE: T) this week launched a new wireless landline replacement voice service.
Dubbed "AT&T Wireless Home Phone," the service allows a user to plug a traditional phone device that's supplied by ZTE (Shenzhen: 000063.SZ) into a standard electrical outlet and get voice service via its wireless network.
An AT&T spokesman told Telecompetitor that the new service became available in "select domestic markets where we do not offer traditional landline service."
The cost of the device is $130 or free, if a consumer is willing to commit to a two-year contract. Consumers will pay $20 a month for unlimited domestic calls, or $10 a month if they want to get it from their existing AT&T services.
Of course, the next question is when will AT&T begin offering customers a home-based wireless DSL replacement service?
AT&T is not the only telco targeting its existing wireline customers with an alternative home-based wireless service.
Verizon (NYSE: VZ), for instance, has launched a wireless data alternative service called Home Fusion. HomeFusion, which is offered via Verizon Wireless, has been designed as a wireless-based alternative to DSL it can offer to customers both inside and outside of its wireline territories.
What's interesting about these new voice services is it marks the first time that two RBOCs will compete with one another in their respective territories--something that traditionally was not done.
For more:
- Telecompetitor has this article
Related articles:
AT&T strikes back against copper theft in Phoenix with $5K reward offer
AT&T wireline union workers in East, West regions go on strike
AT&T, CWA temporarily extend core wireline contract in Southeast region
Business: The other 'underserved' broadband market