WEBWIRE – Wednesday, October 17, 2007
For $10 a Month, Service Offers Remote Data Backup and Storage Capabilities Proven by AT&T Large Business Customers
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) today announced that small businesses can now order the AT&T Remote VaultSM service with a credit card via a new e-commerce Web site, making it easier than ever to purchase the remote data backup and data storage service. The new credit-card ordering capabilities were developed for the country’s more than 5 million small businesses, including small offices and home offices (SOHOs), many of which understand the importance of backing up their critical information, but have yet to do so.
"While small businesses are increasingly aware of and interested in advanced storage solutions to protect their business information, they still have quite a way to go" said Raymond Boggs, vice president of small/medium business research at IDC. "Even those that know they should be taking appropriate steps can find the task too daunting. Given their increasing storage needs, though, and the availability of new affordable and automated solutions, we anticipate that more small businesses than ever will be backing up their critical data remotely in the coming years"
According to a May 2007 IDC report,* businesses with fewer than 100 employees indicated that systems designed to support business continuity and disaster preparedness — while providing advanced storage and data protection functions — must be simple to install and manage, with most functionality automated and moved to the back end.
The AT&T Remote Vault service enables small businesses, equipped with a broadband Internet connection, to remotely access, copy and store data from PCs or laptops to an AT&T Internet Data Center, where it is centrally managed and securely protected. The service is fully automated and secure, removing the guesswork and time commitment often associated with manually backing up multiple PCs.
AT&T Remote Vault is another example of how the company is bringing the products, services and tools that were previously available only to large, global enterprises down-market to small and medium sized businesses. The service requires no capital investment other than a broadband Internet connection, and it allows small businesses to add PCs as their business grows. Backups can be scheduled to automatically occur daily or as needed, with backup data easily restorable to customer PCs, through the Remote Vault application.
"Many home-based businesses and other small businesses understand the importance of backing up files and data; yet, with the hassle and time involved in manual methods, they don’t back up their data as often as they should" said John Regan, vice president of Small Business Marketing for AT&T. "AT&T Remote Vault enables small businesses to easily and affordably take advantage of data backup and recovery offerings"
Today’s announcement comes on the heels of the 2007 AT&T Business Continuity Study, which indicated that business continuity and disaster recovery planning is less of a priority for small businesses.
With Remote Vault, these companies now have an easy, affordable solution to assist in their disaster recovery planning. Specific survey results indicated that:
* More than one-third (36 percent) of smaller businesses say that business continuity planning is not a priority/not important compared with only one-fourth (27 percent) of large companies.
* Smaller businesses are also less likely to have a business continuity plan. One-third (34 percent) of smaller businesses do not have a business continuity plan compared with only one-fifth (21 percent) of large companies.
* One-fifth (22 percent) of smaller businesses say cybersecurity is not part of their overall business continuity plan (compared with 14 percent of large companies).
It’s surprising how few small businesses are really worried about data loss" Boggs said, "especially when a devastating loss can come from something as common as a power outage or computer virus" Boggs also noted that because smaller firms don’t typically have multiple offices and redundant systems, their entire business may be on hold when they lose information, costing time and lost revenue.
For PCs and laptops, AT&T Remote Vault is available for a standard monthly fee of $10 for five (5) gigabytes of storage space and $2 per gigabyte thereafter. The service is available to all small businesses equipped with high speed Internet. Small businesses interested in more information or ordering the service via credit card can visit www.att.com/RemoteVaultPC or call toll-free 1-866-ATT-2222.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
AT&T to ease termination fees
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- AT&T Inc. said Tuesday it will reduce termination fees for wireless customers who cancel plans early and allow them to change contracts without restrictions.
AT&T becomes the second major carrier to ease penalties on consumers seeking to exit or alter their calling plans. Verizon Wireless, the joint venture owned by Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ:
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VZ 44.93, -0.33, -0.7%) and Vodafone Group PLC (VOD:
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VOD 36.11, +0.14, +0.4%) , has already taken those steps.
Customers and U.S. lawmakers have criticized phone companies for what some have called unfriendly consumer policies, including flat early-termination fees of up to $200. Companies have been asked to give subscribers more choice and flexibility.
The moves by AT&T and Verizon are likely to put pressure on rivals such as Sprint Nextel Corp. and T-Mobile USA Inc. to adopt the same approach. In terms of subscribers, AT&T (T:
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T 41.80, -0.13, -0.3%) is the nation's largest mobile operator, followed by Verizon.
Sprint (S:
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S 17.68, -0.04, -0.2%) , the No. 3 wireless operator, is the target most likely in the crosshairs. The company has lost more than 1 million of its best customers over the past year, owing to poor service and other problems. Most of them have switched to AT&T or Verizon.
Last week, Sprint said it expected to lose an additional 337,000 "postpaid" subscribers in the third quarter. The warning was accompanied by the resignation of Chief Executive Gary Forsee. See related story.
Lower cost of canceling
Wireless customers in the U.S. are generally required to sign up for one- or two-year plans, with early-termination fees typically set at $175 to $200. When they want to alter monthly plans, customers are usually required to extend their current contract or enter a new one.
Under AT&T's new approach, the early-termination fee would be progressively reduced over the life of the plan. It would apply "early in 2008" to new and current customers who sign one- or two-year contracts.
Spokesman Mark Siegel said AT&T has not yet determined how much the fee would decline. The company will inform customers shortly before the change takes effect, he said.
Late last year, Verizon became the first company in the industry to reduce its early-termination fee. Customers whose contracts were signed after Nov. 16, 2006, get $5 off their early-termination fee of $175 for each month of service they have completed.
For example, customers who quit a two-year plan after one year would pay a termination fee of $115. If they quit after 18 months, the fee would be $85.
AT&T, meanwhile, will also give consumers more flexibility to change their plans starting in November. Subscribers would no longer have to extend or renew contracts when they switch to one of AT&T's "standard wireless calling plans," the company said.
"Customers have told us they do not like one-size-fits-all approaches," said Paul Roth, AT&T's president of wireless sales and marketing. "They are right, and that is why we have made these important changes."
Verizon enacted the same policy earlier this month.
The shift in strategy by AT&T and Verizon could put pressure on rival operators to follow suit. Sprint and T-Mobile charge flat early-termination fees of up to $200.
Asked if Sprint would reduce its early-termination fee, spokeswoman Roni Singleton said: "We're always evaluating our programs."
She said the carrier already lets subscribers change their monthly plans in the first six months without being required to extend their contract.
T-Mobile officials could not immediately be reached for comment.
Tied to incentives
Most wireless customers in the U.S. accept annual contracts because they have little choice. Wireless operators charge up to $500 for new phones, especially fancier handsets, unless subscribers agree to a one- or two-year plan.
Subscribers who select two-year plans reap the biggest savings. At AT&T, for example, the new MotoRazr V9 from Motorola Inc. (MOT:
Motorola, Inc
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MOT 19.26, -0.03, -0.2%) , listed at $499, is available for $299 to customers who sign a two-year commitment. And an LG flip phone listed at $209 can be obtained for free with a two-year contract.
Phone plans tied to annual contracts also tend to cost less. Although all wireless companies offer prepaid service or plans that do not require contracts, per-minute or monthly prices are typically higher.
What's more, those customers are not given sharp discounts on the latest wireless phones and usually have to choose from older models.
By making it cheaper for subscribers to cancel service, AT&T might win public praise, but it also risks losing customers to competitors. Yet the shift in strategy reflects AT&T's long-term view that its new policies will win over consumers.
"We think it's going to be a net positive," Siegel said.
AT&T becomes the second major carrier to ease penalties on consumers seeking to exit or alter their calling plans. Verizon Wireless, the joint venture owned by Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ:
verizon communications com
News, chart, profile, more
Last: 44.93-0.33-0.73%2:21pm 10/18/2007Delayed quote data
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Sponsored by:
VZ 44.93, -0.33, -0.7%) and Vodafone Group PLC (VOD:
vodafone group plc new spons adr new
News, chart, profile, more
Last: 36.11+0.14+0.39%2:21pm 10/18/2007Delayed quote data
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InsiderDiscussFinancials
Sponsored by:
VOD 36.11, +0.14, +0.4%) , has already taken those steps.
Customers and U.S. lawmakers have criticized phone companies for what some have called unfriendly consumer policies, including flat early-termination fees of up to $200. Companies have been asked to give subscribers more choice and flexibility.
The moves by AT&T and Verizon are likely to put pressure on rivals such as Sprint Nextel Corp. and T-Mobile USA Inc. to adopt the same approach. In terms of subscribers, AT&T (T:
AT&T Inc
News, chart, profile, more
Last: 41.80-0.13-0.31%2:21pm 10/18/2007Delayed quote data
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InsiderDiscussFinancials
Sponsored by:
T 41.80, -0.13, -0.3%) is the nation's largest mobile operator, followed by Verizon.
Sprint (S:
Sprint Nextel Corporation
News, chart, profile, more
Last: 17.68-0.04-0.23%2:21pm 10/18/2007Delayed quote data
Add to portfolioAnalyst Create alert
InsiderDiscussFinancials
Sponsored by:
S 17.68, -0.04, -0.2%) , the No. 3 wireless operator, is the target most likely in the crosshairs. The company has lost more than 1 million of its best customers over the past year, owing to poor service and other problems. Most of them have switched to AT&T or Verizon.
Last week, Sprint said it expected to lose an additional 337,000 "postpaid" subscribers in the third quarter. The warning was accompanied by the resignation of Chief Executive Gary Forsee. See related story.
Lower cost of canceling
Wireless customers in the U.S. are generally required to sign up for one- or two-year plans, with early-termination fees typically set at $175 to $200. When they want to alter monthly plans, customers are usually required to extend their current contract or enter a new one.
Under AT&T's new approach, the early-termination fee would be progressively reduced over the life of the plan. It would apply "early in 2008" to new and current customers who sign one- or two-year contracts.
Spokesman Mark Siegel said AT&T has not yet determined how much the fee would decline. The company will inform customers shortly before the change takes effect, he said.
Late last year, Verizon became the first company in the industry to reduce its early-termination fee. Customers whose contracts were signed after Nov. 16, 2006, get $5 off their early-termination fee of $175 for each month of service they have completed.
For example, customers who quit a two-year plan after one year would pay a termination fee of $115. If they quit after 18 months, the fee would be $85.
AT&T, meanwhile, will also give consumers more flexibility to change their plans starting in November. Subscribers would no longer have to extend or renew contracts when they switch to one of AT&T's "standard wireless calling plans," the company said.
"Customers have told us they do not like one-size-fits-all approaches," said Paul Roth, AT&T's president of wireless sales and marketing. "They are right, and that is why we have made these important changes."
Verizon enacted the same policy earlier this month.
The shift in strategy by AT&T and Verizon could put pressure on rival operators to follow suit. Sprint and T-Mobile charge flat early-termination fees of up to $200.
Asked if Sprint would reduce its early-termination fee, spokeswoman Roni Singleton said: "We're always evaluating our programs."
She said the carrier already lets subscribers change their monthly plans in the first six months without being required to extend their contract.
T-Mobile officials could not immediately be reached for comment.
Tied to incentives
Most wireless customers in the U.S. accept annual contracts because they have little choice. Wireless operators charge up to $500 for new phones, especially fancier handsets, unless subscribers agree to a one- or two-year plan.
Subscribers who select two-year plans reap the biggest savings. At AT&T, for example, the new MotoRazr V9 from Motorola Inc. (MOT:
Motorola, Inc
News, chart, profile, more
Last: 19.26-0.03-0.16%2:21pm 10/18/2007Delayed quote data
Add to portfolioAnalyst Create alert
InsiderDiscussFinancials
Sponsored by:
MOT 19.26, -0.03, -0.2%) , listed at $499, is available for $299 to customers who sign a two-year commitment. And an LG flip phone listed at $209 can be obtained for free with a two-year contract.
Phone plans tied to annual contracts also tend to cost less. Although all wireless companies offer prepaid service or plans that do not require contracts, per-minute or monthly prices are typically higher.
What's more, those customers are not given sharp discounts on the latest wireless phones and usually have to choose from older models.
By making it cheaper for subscribers to cancel service, AT&T might win public praise, but it also risks losing customers to competitors. Yet the shift in strategy reflects AT&T's long-term view that its new policies will win over consumers.
"We think it's going to be a net positive," Siegel said.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
AT&T to Hit the Airwaves
AT&T Takes SpectrumEvelyn M. Rusli, 10.09.07, 11:40 AM ET
AT&T
The wireless wars are heating up.
On Tuesday, AT&T (nyse: T - news - people ) said it will purchase spectrum licenses from Aloha Partners for $2.5 billion. By buying the 700-megahertz spectrum licenses, the telecommunications giant will significantly expand its footprint in top cities.
Under the deal, AT&T will get 12 MHz of spectrum in the 700 MHz frequency, which covers 196 million people in 281 markets. This spectrum contains 72 of the top 100 metropolitan areas, including ’s top 10 markets.
"Customer demand for mobile services, including voice, data and video, is continually increasing," AT&T senior executive Forrest Miller said. "Aloha's spectrum will enable AT&T to efficiently meet this growing demand.”
Investors warmed up to the deal, as shares of AT&T edged up 0.2%, or 8 cents, to $42.01 in morning trading.
The deal will give AT&T a leg up in the race to claim a large stake in the highly coveted 700 MHz frequency. The 700MHz frequency is prized for its signal strength, making it an attractive channel for data and video transfers. In January, the Federal Communications Commission will auction 60MHz of spectrum in the 700 MHz. Many expect the bidders to include traditional mobile services companies, such as AT&T and Sprint Nextel (nyse: S - news - people ), and a smattering of unexpected tech names, like Google (nasdaq: GOOG - news - people ).
This may be the first of many big-ticket purchases for AT&T, as it builds its empire.
In September, Oppenheimer analyst Thomas Eagan predicted that AT&T would takeover EchoStar, a satellite television company. Eagan said the acquisition was inevitable because AT&T has struggled to jump-start its own internet television service. "Given the lack of success of AT&T's U-Verse rollout, it seems to us a matter of when, NOT if, AT&T acquires EchoStar," said Eagan. He added that the telecommunications giant would be willing to shell out a hefty premium for the company, saying that AT&T will pay shareholders more than $56 a share.
Indeed, AT&T has the cash power to back these acquisitions. In April, the company said profits doubled from a year ago, amid strong wireless sales and cost synergies from the 2006 takeover of BellSouth. In addition, AT&T is riding the iPhone craze, as the only service provider for Apple (nasdaq: AAPL - news - people )’s new mobile device. (See: " iLove iPhone?" )
AT&T
The wireless wars are heating up.
On Tuesday, AT&T (nyse: T - news - people ) said it will purchase spectrum licenses from Aloha Partners for $2.5 billion. By buying the 700-megahertz spectrum licenses, the telecommunications giant will significantly expand its footprint in top cities.
Under the deal, AT&T will get 12 MHz of spectrum in the 700 MHz frequency, which covers 196 million people in 281 markets. This spectrum contains 72 of the top 100 metropolitan areas, including ’s top 10 markets.
"Customer demand for mobile services, including voice, data and video, is continually increasing," AT&T senior executive Forrest Miller said. "Aloha's spectrum will enable AT&T to efficiently meet this growing demand.”
Investors warmed up to the deal, as shares of AT&T edged up 0.2%, or 8 cents, to $42.01 in morning trading.
The deal will give AT&T a leg up in the race to claim a large stake in the highly coveted 700 MHz frequency. The 700MHz frequency is prized for its signal strength, making it an attractive channel for data and video transfers. In January, the Federal Communications Commission will auction 60MHz of spectrum in the 700 MHz. Many expect the bidders to include traditional mobile services companies, such as AT&T and Sprint Nextel (nyse: S - news - people ), and a smattering of unexpected tech names, like Google (nasdaq: GOOG - news - people ).
This may be the first of many big-ticket purchases for AT&T, as it builds its empire.
In September, Oppenheimer analyst Thomas Eagan predicted that AT&T would takeover EchoStar, a satellite television company. Eagan said the acquisition was inevitable because AT&T has struggled to jump-start its own internet television service. "Given the lack of success of AT&T's U-Verse rollout, it seems to us a matter of when, NOT if, AT&T acquires EchoStar," said Eagan. He added that the telecommunications giant would be willing to shell out a hefty premium for the company, saying that AT&T will pay shareholders more than $56 a share.
Indeed, AT&T has the cash power to back these acquisitions. In April, the company said profits doubled from a year ago, amid strong wireless sales and cost synergies from the 2006 takeover of BellSouth. In addition, AT&T is riding the iPhone craze, as the only service provider for Apple (nasdaq: AAPL - news - people )’s new mobile device. (See: " iLove iPhone?" )
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