AT&T Wireless to Offer E-mail, Web Services Via OmniSky

Palo Alto-based OmniSky Corp. (formerly OpenSky) and AT&T Wireless (Redmond, WA) are teaming up to bring nationwide wireless email and Internet services to Palm V users. AT&T will be the premier carrier for OmniSky's suite of services, providing coverage throughout the United States via its CDPD network. The deal also includes a marketing agreement.

OmniSky will offer an integrated wireless service designed to keep mobile professionals in touch with critical information when they are on the road. Initially available on the Palm V organizer, the service will allow wireless access to personal e-mail accounts, Web-enabled Palm applications, Web-clipping services such as stock quotes and weather, as well as Web browsing. A public beta program begins in December, with the major introduction slated for Q1 2000. The service will be offered on other hand-held devices in the future, including Windows CE devices, pagers, and WAP-enabled phones.

OmniSky is making the service available on a limited basis to the first 5,000 Palm V owners who sign up for the beta program. The goal is to ensure a good customer experience by having these initial users provide feedback on all aspects of the service after integrating it into their daily life and work patterns. They will be rewarded with special pricing—$299 for an OmniSky Minstrel V wireless modem and unlimited nationwide usage of OmniSky's services through March 2000. After that time, the company will offer these "charter" users a 15% lifetime discount on the lowest published rate for the service.