IP: VoiceStream's GPRS Launches In Stealth Mode

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

> From: Dewayne Hendricks <dewayne () warpspeed com>
>
> [Note:  I'm posting this to provide some context on the Handspring Treo 
> announcement from yesterday.  If Treo is going to be successful, part of 
> that success is going to depend on widespread availability of GPRS.  DLH]
>
> VoiceStream's GPRS Launches In Stealth Mode
> By Kristy Bassuener
> October 15, 2001
> <http://article.WirelessWeek.com/UM/T.ASP?A3.3.337.1.460395446>
>
> Unlike its carrier counterparts, which have announced the launches of 
> next-generation GPRS service on a market-by-market basis, VoiceStream 
> Wireless has chosen to roll out its GPRS service quietly.
>
> Although the carrier's strategy is not immediately apparent, VoiceStream 
> has had its GPRS services available to customers in all of its U.S. 
> markets for two weeks, according to two call-in customer service 
> representatives. A spokeswoman confirmed the company had made a ''soft 
> launch'' of iStream and will be making an announcement shortly, but would 
> not comment further.
>
> The service, dubbed iStream, enables always-on access to already-existing 
> e-mail accounts and the Internet from a mobile phone, Windows CE handheld, 
> or laptop computer. According to VoiceStream's Web site, iStream coverage 
> in former Powertel markets including southern Texas and Mobile, Ala., 
> which VoiceStream purchased during its May merger with the carrier, began 
> today. iStream customers may either choose a 'bucket' type rate plan or 
> pay as they go.
>
> ''It doesn't make sense for us to go out and say it's available in a 
> couple markets here and there,'' VoiceStream spokeswoman Kim Thompson said 
> last week. ''That's already been done.''
>
> Competitors AT&T Wireless Services and Cingular Wireless rolled out 
> initial GPRS services in the Seattle area in July and August, 
> respectively. Cingular plans to launch the services in the Carolinas later 
> this month, spokesman Clay Owen said. North Carolina is one of 11 states 
> that VoiceStream's U.S. footprint currently does not cover.
>
> Perhaps the answer to VoiceStream's perceived silence on iStream lies with 
> its latest ties to Cingular Wireless: Earlier today, the carriers' top 
> executives held a press conference to announce a network joint venture. 
> Under the deal, VoiceStream soon will be able to launch its mobile 
> services using Cingular's network in California and Nevada markets. 
> Cingular, in turn, will finally have a foot in the door in New York City 
> -- one of the country's biggest wireless markets. The joint venture covers 
> voice as well as data services, Cingular's Owen said.
>
> VoiceStream also may have chosen to initially keep quiet about its new 
> data service to ensure that any glitches or bugs in the new network get 
> squashed before a big media play.


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