AT&T to Initiate 2D Barcodes Charter Program for Its Business Customers

DALLAS, March 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AT&T* today announced it will launch a Charter program in the coming weeks to test the use of 2D barcode scanners on AT&T mobile devices. The Charter program is being launched to test consumer response rates as well as the effectiveness of consumer barcode scanning technology as an interactive marketing vehicle.  

Consumer barcode scanning represents the next generation of interactive targeted marketing, enabling advertisers to deliver relevant content and offers to consumers, as well as being a valuable and efficient tool for consumers to search for promotions and information using their mobile device. This technology can be used to scan traditional 1D barcodes, also known as UPC codes, as well as 2D barcodes.

AT&T is currently selecting up to 12 enterprise customers to participate in this charter program across key sectors including consumer packaged goods, retail, hospitality and financial services. The consumer barcode technology can be used across a variety of mediums including indoor and outdoor signage, packaging, catalogues, television, the internet, as well as traditional print and mail advertising. AT&T will use technology from Mobile Tag Inc., a provider of universal bar code reader technology.

AT&T will soon make available to consumers via download a mobile application to read the 2D barcodes on a variety of mobile devices across multiple platforms including Android, BlackBerry® and Windows®.

"We're excited to work with some of our key business clients to develop this new solution for consumer engagement, which is one of the most innovative solutions to come out of the mobile application space," said Joe Lueckenhoff, senior vice president, product management, wireline and mobility services, AT&T Business Solutions. "Our vision is to provide our business customers with the ability to reach their target customer in an interactive and direct manner, while preserving consumer choice and control over their mobile experience."

This new 2D barcode charter program will provide AT&T and its customers with a better understanding of the marketing and advertising potential that 2D barcodes offers. AT&T will work closely with customers participating in the program to measure results and participants will have the opportunity to provide feedback.

"The last decade has seen a dramatic shift in the way consumers use their mobile phones to interact with the world around them," said Michael Liard, Practice Director, RFID and Bar Code at ABI Research. "We have witnessed mobile marketing campaigns evolve from basic SMS campaigns to content-rich 2D barcode-enabled mobile applications such as mobile couponing and information delivery. Mobile barcodes can extend the marketing reach of any retailer or enterprise, serving as a permission-based way for consumers to engage directly with a company or brand."

AT&T delivers a comprehensive suite of business solutions designed to meet the diverse operational needs of manufacturers, distributors and retailers of consumer goods. For more information on AT&T's enterprise mobility offerings, visit http://www.business.att.com/enterprise/Portfolio/enterprise-mobility-enterprise/.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest 3G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. AT&T offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse(SM) and AT&T |DIRECTV(SM) brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T's Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations are known for their leadership in directory publishing and advertising sales. In 2009, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE® magazine's list of the World's Most Admired Companies. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.

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SOURCE AT&T Inc.