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Bell Atlantic Mobile Launches "Call Me" Service, Challenging Traditional Wireless Calling Practices

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Bell Atlantic Mobile today launched "Call Me," an innovative service that allows customers to receive incoming calls while in their service area without incurring charges. This new feature, commonly referred to as calling-party-pays (CPP), will give wireless customers more value and flexibility in using their mobile phones. Delaware will be the test market for "Call Me" service, which is expected to increase wireless usage and stimulate overall growth in the industry.

Key Takeaways:

  • The "Call Me" service, also known as calling-party-pays (CPP), allows customers to receive incoming calls without incurring charges while in their service area.
  • Delaware will be the test market for "Call Me" service, starting with a print advertising campaign, television, and radio spots.
  • "Call Me" customers can receive all their incoming calls at no charge, but callers will be informed of charges before the call is processed.
  • Callers can choose to hang up or continue with the call, incurring charges at 25 cents a minute, 35 cents for credit card calls, plus usual phone charges.
  • The service is available on most Bell Atlantic Mobile price plans for new and existing Delaware customers.
  • Customers can create and update their personal priority list of five people whose incoming calls they will pay for using a toll-free number.
  • "Call Me" customers will be listed in Bell Atlantic Mobile's directory assistance service, marking the first time mobile numbers have been listed.
  • A voice messaging service and caller ID are included with "Call Me" at no additional charge.
  • Wireless Industry Analyst Mark Lowenstein of the Yankee Group has been briefed on this announcement.

Statistics:

  • Only about 20 percent of wireless calls are incoming.
  • Bell Atlantic Mobile believes CPP could stimulate overall wireless usage, as well as increase the ratio of incoming to outgoing wireless calls.

Sources:

  • PRNewswire, Bell Atlantic Mobile Launches "Call Me" Service (Nov. 15, 1999)
  • Bell Atlantic Mobile, Call Me Plan
  • Bell Atlantic Corporation, About Us
  • Yankee Group, Contact Us (phone: 617-956-5000)

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