AT&T to expand netbook offerings nationwide

AT&T announced today it soon will expand its portfolio of embedded 3G mini laptops and begin selling them on a nationwide basis this [1]summer. The move comes after what the operator calls a successful test of subsidized netbooks in Atlanta and Philadelphia in April.

AT&T offered a deep subsidy in those two markets, providing netbooks for $50 in Atlanta and $100 in Philadelphia. AT&T said it will announce pricing for its expanded lineup of netbooks at a later date.

The expanded embedded device lineup will include Acer, Dell and Lenovo mini laptops. AT&T plans to begin offering the new mini laptops through its nationwide sales channels.

"It's clear there's a demand for mini laptops," said Ralph de la Vega, president and chief executive officer, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "Our customers in the Atlanta and Philadelphia markets have responded well and the response isn't limited to a specific demographic. We're getting interest from tweens, teens, young adults, moms on the go and small business owners. Consumers and small business customers really seem to be attracted to the convenience and portability of this connected device."

For more:
- see this release [1]

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Wireless carriers open the network to embedded devices [6]