AT&T Wireless has joined with phone and electronics giant Samsung in their first joint offering of data, imaging, text messaging and other next-generation services on Samsung’s latest v206 phones.
The companies said the first product to be marketed would be the v206, Samsung’s “clam-shell” designed phone that includes an
embedded full color camera and full-color TFD LCD screen. Available this month, the v206 also includes enhanced messaging services and
polyphonic ring tone sounds.
Deployed on a GSM/GPRS
transmission rate of about 25 kilobits per second (kbps), the services
feature data, photo images, text messaging and other wireless Web
applications such as games and music downloads via AT&T Wireless’s “mMode” service.
The collaboration with Samsung marks the first time that the South Korean consumer electronics maker has teamed with AT&T Wireless, and could help the company grow market share in U.S. and global markets, as it seeks to catch up to rivals Nokia and Ericsson in global sales. The alliance also helps AT&T wireless expand the portfolio of compatible phones on its network.
“This agreement places Samsung’s products with all of the leading
carriers across the two major network technologies,” said Chris Ambrosio, director, wireless device strategies, Strategy Analytics. “Samsung has taken a significant step in successfully balancing its product offering and is poised to compete effectively in GSM markets. For AT&T Wireless, they’ll be
able to grow their customer base by leveraging Samsung’s expertise and brand
in high end products and imaging features.”
Samsung said the v206 retails for $399.99 at select AT&T Wireless retail outlets, authorized dealers and online at www.attwireless.com.