AT&T will launch a new set of VoIP services to business customers and consumers beginning in Q1 2004. For consumers, AT&T has been running a customer trial of VoIP services over broadband connections since October in three states. Due to the success of the trial, AT&T said it would move ahead aggressively to offer the service in the top 100 markets across the country. The service will be run from data centers on each coast, and will provide unlimited local and long-distance services. Key features will include online voicemail, do not disturb, call logging, call forwarding and personal conferencing. Pricing was not disclosed.
Earlier adopters are expected to include work-at-home, college students, teenagers and other tech-savvy consumers. AT&T plans to offer a similar service for small businesses.
AT&T said it is well positioned for VoIP because it is the largest carrier of IP traffic in the world, carrying one petabyte a day over its network. Its consumer distribution channels are the largest in the industry, as AT&T claims 40 million customer relationships. The company noted that there are 23 million broadband accounts in the U.S. currently.
"VoIP is the most significant, fundamental new technology shift in telecommunications in decades and will deliver tremendous value to all customers by leveraging the efficiencies and advanced communications capabilities of IP-based technology," said David Dorman, AT&T's Chairman and CEO.
http://www.att.com
- Beta test Sign-up page for AT&T's consumer VoIP service. http://beta.ataclick.com/
- In September 2003, AT&T first disclosed plans for a "bring your own access" consumer VoIP service in remarks by David Dorman at the Morgan Stanley Global Media & Communications Conference in Boston.
