AT&T; Wireless Users Can Find Each Other

AT&T; Wireless Services Inc. has installed software that will enable customers to use their phones to locate other AT&T; Wireless users.

The Find Friends capability is part of the mMode mobile-Internet service AT&T; Wireless introduced in April, said Andre Dahan, president of the company’s mobile multimedia services unit. The function uses the nearest AT&T; Wireless transmission tower to provide approximate locations, such as intersections, he said.

Customers whose phones work on upgraded AT&T; Wireless networks in about 18 cities may use Find Friends for no additional charge if they buy mMode, offered for $2.99 to $12.49 a month, he said. About 35% to 45% of customers who’ve bought upgraded phones since April are signing up for mMode, and 55% of those are choosing the $7.99 monthly plan, he said.

The Find Friends service is optional, and customers--who have to agree to be placed on the other user’s list to be located--may opt out at any time, Dahan said. They get a short text message each time someone tries to find them.