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
| Johanne Torres is the assistant editor for TMCnet.com and Internet Telephony magazine. Previously, she was
the assistant editor for EContent magazine in Connecticut. She
can be reached by e-mail at jtorres@tmcnet.com. |
|
[August 23, 2004]
