Company Introduces Customers to Mobile AOL Instant Messenger
MILWAUKEE, Wis., April 25, 2005 – More than 80 million Americans use instant messaging to communicate with family, friends and co-workers, according to America Online (AOL). U.S. Cellular is now giving them a chance to chat with their buddies anytime, anywhere from their cell phones with the launch of its mobile AOL® Instant Messenger™ (AIM®) service.
“People want to take the IM experience beyond the desktop. In fact, an AOL survey shows that the number of people who used a mobile IM or text service within the last year more than doubled,” said Lou Brazzoni, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Wisconsin. “We’re excited to offer AOL’s easy-to-use AIM service for our customers to access on their cell phones. We think it will be a hit with not only teens, but also with adults and professionals who use instant messaging.”
Through mobile AIM, U.S. Cellular customers can enjoy all of the perks of a typical IM chat even if they can’t log onto a computer. They can send and receive instant messages, hold multiple instant messaging conversations, view, refresh and manage their Buddy List®, and even receive instant message notifications when the phone is closed. Customers also can change their AIM presence and availability status through their phones.
“Mobile AIM gives our customers another messaging option,” Brazzoni said. “It takes text messaging one step further – enabling real time conversations from phone to phone, phone to PC or even PC to phone.”
The service can be purchased through easyedgeSM, U.S. Cellular’s wireless data service, for $2.99 per month, which includes unlimited messaging. Customers interested in subscribing to the mobile AIM must have an IM capable phone, have easyedge and text messaging on their U.S. Cellular account, and be a registered user of the AIM service. Free sign-up for AIM is available at www.aim.com.
The mobile AIM application is now available on U.S. Cellular handsets, including the LG VX 6000 and the Kyocera SoHo and Slider, models SE44 and SE47. The application will soon be available on additional handsets.
With easyedge, customers can enjoy many easy-to-use applications that make daily life easier and more entertaining. Through the service, users can access a variety of applications such as AwayAuctionTM
for eBay, ESPN BottomLine, MapQuest® Mobile Powered by Vindigo, NASCAR.COM TO GO, Atari® Asteroids® and a huge library of ringtones.
Chicago-based U.S. Cellular Corporation (AMEX: USM) is a super-regional wireless company, serving more than 4.9 million customers in 148 markets in 25 states. With 2004 service revenues of $2.64 billion, U.S. Cellular maintains one of the industry’s highest levels of customer satisfaction by emphasizing customer support, quality network coverage and comprehensive range of wireless products and services. The company is an active corporate citizen through charitable contributions, award-winning community relations programs and associate volunteer activities. For more information, visit www.uscellular.com.
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Contact:
Susie Falk
Office: 414-291-7620
sfalk@eswbluehorse.com
Matthew Tiefenbrun, U.S. Cellular
Office: 773-399-8873
Cell: 773-392-7801
