[August 23, 2004]

CallVantage Now in the Service Isle

BY JOHANNE TORRES

AT&T (news - alert - quote)�s CallVantage service goes retail, as in sold in stores. Starting this fall, 628 Best Buy stores nationwide will be able to vend the VoIP services; the company will also have it available on their Web site. This bricks and mortar with online partnership once again shows how voice over IP (VoIP) (define - news - alert - tutorial) technology is quickly adopted nationally both residential, and within the corporate space.  

According to their marketing plan, AT&T will be promoting CallVantage through in-store marketing and traditional and online advertising. 

"We're delighted to launch our retail strategy for AT&T CallVantage Service with Best Buy, a well-known and respected brand name and the nation's leading specialty retailer of technology and entertainment products and services," said Cathy Martine, AT&T senior vice president for Internet Telephony, Consumer Marketing and Sales.  "The consumer value proposition of VoIP service is clear.  People can save money utilizing this feature-rich service.  We're excited to add AT&T CallVantage to our assortment of VoIP, telephony and networking products and services and provide our consumers with more options in our stores and on our website," said David Sprosty, vice president of subscription services at Best Buy.

This AT&T�s partnership broadcast closely follows the marketing strategy deals announced last Thursday, when the provider announced it was also building relationships with a number of cable operators.

AT&T�s CallVantage Service utilizes IP-based networks, offering residential customers legacy telephone-like features such as call waiting, three-way calling, and call forwarding, in addition to newer features including Call Logs, Do Not Disturb, Locate Me, Voicemail with eFeatures and Personal Conferencing. The service requires a plug-in telephone adapter provided by AT&T, a broadband Internet connection and regular telephone. The nationwide service is generally available to consumers wanting local area codes and numbers in 39 states and Washington, D.C.

AT&T CallVantage         

www.callvantage.com

Best Buy Co., Inc.

www.bestbuy.com