AT&T; Launches Flat-Rate Wireless Service

AT&T; Corp. launched a wireless phone service that offers customers a flat rate for calls anywhere in the U.S. as part of its effort to boost sales and wireless phone use. AT&T;’s Digital One Rate challenges other wireless calling plans that charge monthly access fees, separate long-distance charges for inbound and outbound calls outside the local calling area and roaming charges when customers travel outside of their home area. Customers will pay from $89.99 for 600 minutes to $149.99 for 1,400 minutes, with additional minutes at 25 cents each. The new service will compete with similar plans from Sprint PCS and Nextel Communications Inc. Sprint PCS charges $110 for 1,000 minutes, compared with AT&T;’s $119.99. As of Dec. 31, Basking Ridge, N.J.-based AT&T; had 8.19 million total wireless subscribers, second only to AirTouch Communications Inc. Shares of AT&T; slipped $1.69 to close at $57.88 on the New York Stock Exchange.