AT&T; Wireless Provides Cell Phone Earpieces

AT&T; Wireless Services Inc., the third-largest U.S. mobile phone company, is providing hands-free earpieces at no cost to all its subscribers.

The former AT&T; Corp. unit began sending coupons for free earpieces to customers Monday in their monthly bills. AT&T; Wireless had been including the earpieces with all new phones sent to subscribers since the start of the year. The Redmond, Wash.-based company has more than 16.4 million customers.

Eight U.S. states including New York and Arizona passed laws this year restricting use of mobile phones in automobiles. In addition, at least 13 municipalities or counties including Miami-Dade County in Florida and New Jersey’s Marlboro Township require drivers to use so-called ear buds or other hands-free devices.

Shares of AT&T; Wireless fell 63 cents to $14.50 on the New York Stock Exchange.