SAN ANTONIO, Dec. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Beginning Sunday, Dec. 9, customers of the nation's largest wireless carrier will see more of AT&T as the company transitions Dobson's Cellular One-branded stores to AT&T, launches the Apple iPhone in select new markets and introduces AT&T's leading-edge portfolio of wireless handsets and offers throughout former Dobson territory.
AT&T Inc. today announced that the first phase of integration will start Sunday by stocking store shelves with AT&T handsets and replacing Dobson's Cellular One brand with exterior and interior AT&T signage in more than 200 stores in 16 states. In some Alaska markets, including Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau, AT&T will make the iPhone available in select retail outlets and will expand to include additional AT&T products and services in 2008. The rebranding follows AT&T's acquisition of Dobson Communications Corp. on Nov. 15.
"We're thrilled to welcome these new members to the AT&T community and offer them an amazing portfolio of wireless products and services, plus the nation's largest voice and data network," said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO of wireless services for AT&T. "From the iPhone to our exclusive Rollover(R) Minutes to cutting-edge data and content, our new customers will have exciting and innovative wireless options not previously available to them. We're integrating quickly and in time for the important holiday shopping season."
Dobson customers can switch to AT&T plans without activation or upgrade fees. Dobson customers who choose AT&T calling plans will benefit from Rollover Minutes, a feature exclusive to AT&T. Dobson customers who currently have a Mobile to Mobile feature will now be able to use those minutes to reach all of AT&T's 67.3 million wireless customers.
As a result of the acquisition, Dobson customers(1) now have access to AT&T's lineup of exclusive handsets, including:
-- Shine by LG -- A beautiful device featuring a silver exterior, Video Share, a 2-megapixel camera and unique 2.2-inch mirror LCD screen. -- Samsung Blackjack II -- The familiar look and feel of the first Blackjack with built-in GPS, global 3G capabilities and Video Share. -- Samsung SLM -- The first of AT&T's devices to have Napster Mobile, giving customers access to wireless downloads from Napster direct to the phone while on the go.
In addition, AT&T will rebrand the Cellular One Web site and direct consumers to http://www.att.com for new product and service information. Dobson subscribers may also continue seeking account support through http://www.celloneusa.com.
The recent merger extends AT&T's coverage and services into a number of primarily rural and suburban areas in Alaska, Arizona, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Dobson customers will experience a number of benefits as a result of joining AT&T, including access to the nation's largest digital voice and data network, which offers maximum convenience and flexibility wherever subscribers are.
Dobson customers in AT&T's traditional 22-state wireline footprint, including subscribers in Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin, will have the opportunity to join the nation's largest unlimited calling community -- through AT&T Unity(SM) plans -- with unlimited calling to more than 120 million AT&T home, business and wireless customers. Dobson customers traveling abroad will also have the advantage of access to lower-cost service in more than 190 countries.
(1) AT&T handsets not immediately available at launch in Alaska. Apple iPhone will be available beginning Sunday in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau.
Note: This AT&T release and other news announcements are available as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.