AT&T Wireless Services announces new ground-to-air calling in North America; ground-to-air calling from AT&T keeps passengers connected.

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 12, 1995--The Aviation Communications Division of AT&T Wireless Services, which also operates as Claircom International in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, announced today the domestic offering of new ground-to-air service on their all-digital, inflight telecommunications system.

Ground-to-air calling from AT&T works similarly to receiving a call in a car. On general-aviation aircraft, as in a car, the person being called simply answers the phone. The only significant differences for passengers on commercial aircraft are that they must register upon boarding a flight and enter a password to receive a call.

"Consumers now have the option of being reached in flight for business or personal matters," said Randy Ottinger, vice president of marketing, Aviation Communications Division of AT&T Wireless Services. "And our system offers the unique ability to screen calls. Even if you're registered, you're in control. You choose to accept or decline a call. This new service offers peace of mind for business travelers who can now be reached when it's important."

AT&T has also opted against a traditional registration fee, a first in the industry. "We want our customers to feel comfortable registering on board," continued Ottinger. "Our research told us that customers don't want to pay to register, on the outside chance that they may receive a call." The introductory per-minute fee is the same as traditional air-to-ground service.

How to Reach Someone on a Plane

Placing and receiving ground-to-air calls on an AT&T Wireless phone is simple. The calling party dials 800/RING SKY (746-4759), then enters the traveler's predetermined 10-digit phone number. (AT&T Wireless recommends that the traveler use his or her office or home number.) Then the caller enters his or her own phone number. At this point, the caller holds while the AT&T Wireless system locates the aircraft and the registered traveler on board.

On board, the registered traveler will hear a beep, pick up the phone, and either see or hear the predetermined access number and the phone number of the calling party. The traveler may now elect to receive the call by pressing ON and entering the four-digit password, or decline the call by pressing END.

Service is currently available to general-aviation customers and will be introduced on domestic commercial aircraft this fall.

AT&T Wireless has five domestic and eight international airlines as customers. Domestic customers are Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines (international fleet). International customers are Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa German Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS), Austrian Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Lauda Air and Swissair -- eight of the leading airlines in Europe and the Middle East.

AT&T Wireless provides digital in-flight calling with call-handoff, fax and data services and has just introduced ground-to-air calling in North America. AT&T provides access to its worldwide network, enabling AT&T Wireless customers to place in-flight calls using calling cards, commercial credit cards and AT&T operator assistance.

The Aviation Communications Division is 90 percent owned by McCaw Cellular Communications Inc. and 10 percent owned by Cantel. McCaw is the nation's largest provider of cellular service, offering wireless voice and data communications. McCaw is a wholly owned subsidiary of AT&T and will make the transition to the operating name of AT&T Wireless Services during the third quarter of 1995. AT&T Wireless Services/Claircom International is a subsidiary of AT&T Corp.

CONTACT: AT&T Wireless Services

Aviation Communications Division

Erica Verstegen, 206/389-4177, Fax: [phone]

WAEA Booth 421

or

AT&T Wireless Services

Todd Wolfenbarger, 206/828-1851

or

Waggener Edstrom

Amy McGill or Teresa Fausti-Flora, 503/245-0905