*******NEWS*******
World Trade Press
SureWest launches mobile Internet service
Jason Ankeny, 09.17.04, 4:46 PM ET
Integrated communications provider SureWest announced this week the launch of its new 1X mobile Internet service, promising data speeds between 40 kbps and 60 kbps to users in the metropolitan Sacramento, Calif., area and slower speeds to customers in the surrounding 530 and 209 area codes.
According to the terms of SureWests service, unlimited mobile Internet access is $29.95 per month, with subscribers required to sign a one-year contract. There is also a $25 activation fee, and users must purchase a Sierra Wireless AirCard for $199 following a rebate.
At $29.95 per month, SureWests service is significantly cheaper than most national plans--for example, Verizon Wireless, AT&T Wireless and Cingular Wireless all charge $79.99 for their respective unlimited access plans.
"If you look across our product offerings, were always aiming to play on the value side of the market--we do everything in our power to offer superior value," said Mark Seidman, SureWests director of marketing and sales. "[The competition] offers national coverage--ours is only in one market. For someone traveling all over country, ours is not going to be the service of choice, but for local customers its a slam dunk."
Seidman said the SureWest package also includes a voice-over-IP component, although for now the company is focusing almost solely on promotion of wireless data services.
For more information on this publication, or to subscribe to the print edition, visit https://www.telephonyonline.com.
Telephony
Copyright 2004 by Primedia Incorporated. All rights reserved.