Phone News Archives

AT&T has announced an online sweepstakes program with the Atlanta Braves that gives fans the chance to win an opportunity to throw out the first pitch at an upcoming Braves home game. Fans can register by logging on to att.braves.com or by texting BRAVES to 36197 and submitting their best reason for why they should be selected to make the first pitch..

Fans can register for a chance to win now through Sept. 7. Upon registration, fans will be automatically entered to win the grand prize of throwing out the first pitch. Other winners will receive other prizes, including suite tickets, field visits, notebook computers, digital cameras and more. The top "pitches" submitted will be posted on att.braves.com. A random drawing will determine the winners.

"AT&T is proud to be the official communications company for the Atlanta Braves," said Robert Bentley, vice president and general manager, AT&T Georgia Market Area. "We look forward to expanding our online communications forum for fans to take part in activities involving the Braves."

You can read more about the sweepstakes here.

Ten aspiring comic book creators have moved one step closer in their bid to win a rare multi-media development and publishing deal as part of the second annual Platinum Studios' Comic Book Challenge, presented by AT&T. The top 10 entrants were named on the AT&T blue room (www.attblueroom.com) after judges deliberated over the top 50 entrants who convened in San Diego during the 2007 International Comic-Con convention to present their comic property concepts during the pitch phase of the competition.

Today through Aug. 25, fans can check out the comic creators and their entries, and cast their ballot for their favorite new comic book idea on the blue room site. Visitors can also view a video of each entrant's pitch. Votes through Aug. 13 will whittle the field from ten to three entrants, and subsequent votes through Aug. 25 for the three finalists will determine the winner who will ultimately receive a development and publishing contract with Platinum Studios. Fans can vote more than once for their top comic book picks.

AT&T will make supplemental contest content available regularly on the blue room through the end of September, including video back-stories, judges' feedback, and additional commentary and interviews.

AT&T will also distribute video-on-demand clips featuring the contest entrants across its wireless and TV screens through AT&T U-verseSM TV, AT&T HomezoneSM and MobiTV on Mobility services, brought to subscribers by AT&T Universal Card. The content is being directed, written and produced by AT&T's expanding in-house creative group.

The panel of comic book experts and Hollywood insiders that moderated the pitches and selected the top 10 included John H. Williams, producer for the "Shrek" film series; actor Donald Faison of hit TV program "Scrubs"; and Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, chairman of Platinum Studios.

"The pitch phase of the competition was nothing short of absolutely amazing," said Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, chairman of Platinum Studios. "We knew the Comic Book Challenge would bring together some of the industry's best and brightest creators, but given the difficulty we had narrowing the field from the top 50 entrants to the top 10, I'm glad to now be putting the judging into the hands of the fans."

"This event highlights the unique capability AT&T is developing to link entertainment and technology at every step of the process," said Michael Goldfine, head of development and production of AT&T Entertainment Services. "We started with the concept of someone achieving his or her lifelong dream, brought it to life through content we developed in-house, and now are delivering it to consumers across the three screens that they use most ??? the PC, the TV, and the wireless screen."

The top 10 entries were submitted by Jorge Vega (Brockton, Mass.); Shawn Granger (La Verne, Calif.); Josiah Grahn (Richmond, Ky.); Mike Whittenberger (College Point, N.Y.); Kevin Buckley (San Francisco, Calif.); Melissa Diaz (Norristown, Pa.); Chris Rhodes (Westover, W.V.); David Davis (Hemet, Calif.); John Smallwood-Garcia (Brookfield, Conn.); and George Brawn (Alhambra, Calif.).

The winner of the 2007 Comic Book Challenge will be formally announced in late August, and the winner's comic book or graphic novel will be published and premiered at a major Wizard World convention in 2008.

Last year's Comic Book Challenge winner, D.J. Coffman, has earned fan accolades and winning reviews for the sold-out debut of his graphic novel "Hero By Night." The story centers on Jack King, a young man who discovers the secret lair of a 1950's superhero in his new apartment building and must decide whether to use the hero's source of power to become a superhero himself.

With the possibility of another summer of record-breaking electricity use, Verizon Wireless is assuring customers that the company prepared to keep its wireless network up and running during power outages that can result from summer storms and increased electricity usage due to high temperatures and humidity.

"Verizon Wireless is committed to providing reliable wireless communication for our customers during the dog days of summer and any type of summer weather emergency," said Dick Lynch, executive vice president and chief technical officer for Verizon Wireless. "Our year-round focus on improving and maintaining our network ensures that we are prepared to operate when our customers are most in need."

Verizon Wireless says its network is built for reliability in emergencies—such as power blackouts and extreme weather conditions—with redundancy capabilities in place to maintain services for customers.

The company says all facilities have battery back-up power and generators installed at all switching facilities, and many cell site locations. Verizon Wireless also a fleet of portable generators that can be deployed to provide emergency power during extended power outages to those cell sites without permanent generators. In addition, the company operates "Cell on Wheels" (COW), which are fully functional, generator-powered mobile cell sites that enhance coverage and capacity in a given area. A COW can accommodate both voice and CDMA data services.

Verizon Communications' national wireline network of central office switching systems also have back-up power in the form of batteries and back-up generators that automatically keep the switch running when commercial electrical power is lost. Verizon monitors traffic on the network around the clock, and says it can quickly manage calling and data traffic around problem areas. Much of Verizon's national inter-city network contains redundant and diverse routing so that customers can still make calls if one part of the network is damaged.

For more on how Verizon is preparing for the summer, check out the Verizon Wireless press release.

AT&T announced recently that fans of celebrity cook and daytime host Rachael Ray are in for a new treat. Rachael Ray, along with AT&T and LimeLife, a publisher of mobile content for women, announced have launched Rachael Ray Recipes on the Run—a new wireless application that allows subscribers to download recipes directly to their mobile phones. Subscribers to the service can access Rachael Ray recipes from anywhere along with cooking tips and shopping lists.

"I'm excited to bring my 30-minute recipes to mobile phones," said Rachael Ray. "With Recipes on the Run, I hope to make it easier for families and home cooks to know what ingredients to buy while actually at the food store—whether they are shopping for the entire week, or just grabbing a few things for a quick supper that night."

"In today's fast-paced society, consumers are turning to their wireless device to provide them with information and tools that help simplify their life," said Rob Hyatt, executive director of premium content for AT&T's wireless unit. "Rachael Ray Recipes on the Run provides AT&T wireless customers with simple solutions and inspiration for balanced, easy-to-prepare meals and furthers our commitment to delivering rich content that is accessible anytime, anywhere."

For more information on the new service, check out the AT&T press release.

Qwest Communications recently announced that it earned a Statement of Support from Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) as a "Five-Star Employer" in Utah. This is the highest honor ESGR awards to companies for their support of employees in the National Guard and Reserve.

In addition to keeping jobs available for returning employees, Qwest offers differential pay when military pay is lower than an employee's normal salary, and the company keeps most benefits in force during a leave of absence.

"We are gratified that Qwest employees know that while they are serving their country they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs," said James G. Martin, ESGR chairman for Utah.

Qwest also maintains contact with service members and their families and helps in other ways, including organizing drives to collect comfort items for shipment to U.S. personnel serving in the armed forces.

"Employees are the backbone of our company, and we go to great lengths to support them and their families as they serve their country," said Jerry Fenn, Qwest president for Utah.

For more information, check out the Qwest press release.

Wireless phone users can now help raise funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer by purchasing pink wireless phones from Qwest Communications and SANYO. Ten percent of all retail sales of the phones through October will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, with a minimum donation of $50,000 up to a maximum donation of $100,000. The Minneapolis Race for the Cure takes place on May 13.

These stylish and fun phones by Qwest and SANYO are available at approximately 100 Qwest retail locations in Qwest's 14-state service area. In addition to Qwest retail locations, the new phones will be sold through Qwest call centers and online.

"A key to our success at Komen for the Cure is that we collaborate with a variety of organizations to provide creative ways for people to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer," said Cindy Schneible, vice president of resource development at Susan G. Komen for the Cure. "We are proud to have the opportunity to partner with Qwest and SANYO to allow wireless phone users to make a bold statement about breast cancer awareness and a valuable contribution to breast cancer research and community outreach programs."

"This is the pink phone with a heart," said John Stanoch, Qwest's president for Minnesota. "We are proud to work with SANYO to advance this important cause, and we hope our pink phones become another symbol of Komen for the Cure's important work in our community."

With three different models to choose from, Qwest customers can choose the pink phone that fits their individual style. The sleek, ultra-slim SANYO Katana offers Bluetooth wireless technology, a built-in digital camera, and a high-resolution 2.2-inch color display. The SCP-2400 and SCP-3100 offer high-quality speakerphones and walkie-talkie-style communication for keeping in touch with family and friends.

"We are proud to partner with Qwest Wireless for the second year to support Komen for the Cure and the pink phone program," said Andy Kodera, senior vice president and general manager of SANYO Fisher Company's Wireless Communications Division. "Almost everyone carries their wireless phone with them on a daily basis; the pink phone with Qwest is a great way to get people talking about the program and to express support for breast cancer awareness wherever they go. Also, the funds raised by the sale of these pink phones will support Komen's research and outreach programs."

Qwest and SANYO will release two additional pink phones that will be part of this partnership later this summer.

For more information, check out the Qwest press release.

At a press conference last week on the National Mall, the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) joined with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters, the Federal Communications Commission, and representatives from national launch partners the Associated General Contractors of America, John Deere, The Travelers Companies, Inc., and Cox Communications, to ceremonially connect 811, the new national 'Call Before You Dig' number.

"Now that there is a single number to call, any time, there's no excuse for putting lives at risk by striking a utility line," said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters. "If 911 is the number you call to report emergencies, 811 is the number to call to prevent them."

The 811 number was designated by the FCC in 2005 at the direction of an Act of Congress in 2002. Its creation was supported by more than fifteen industry stakeholder groups who encouraged its development and creation and now promote its use nationwide.

To ensure that all Americans know and use 811, today's event on "America's Front Yard" also kicked off a national public education campaign, which will use an educational Web site, television and radio PSAs, industry and consumer outreach, and local events to raise awareness of the new number and demonstrate its relevance to consumers and professionals who conduct digging activities. Additionally, the campaign's national launch partners and promotional sponsors will promote the new number through a variety of tactics designed to leverage the grassroots power of their customers, clients and members, creating awareness and positive behavioral change among those most likely to dig.

"Knowing the approximate locations of where utility lines are buried before each digging project helps protect America's pipelines, industry and people," said CGA President Bob Kipp. "We believe the new 811 number will encourage more people to have their lines marked to protect themselves, their neighbors and their community."

Nationwide, risky assumptions about the location of underground utility lines, which are buried at various depths below the ground, lead to more than one unintentional hit per minute every day, every year. Even simple digging jobs can damage utility lines and disrupt vital services to an entire neighborhood, harm those who dig, and result in expensive fines and repair costs.

For more information about the 811 service, campaign, and a new national survey on consumer digging habits, visit www.call811.com.

The AT&T Foundation—the philanthropic arm of AT&T—and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) recently unveiled 32 locations that will house new community technology centers in low-income Hispanic communities through LULAC's Empower Hispanic America with Technology initiative. The centers, which are planned to be operational by the end of May, are being supported by a $1.5 million grant that builds upon the success of the AT&T Foundation's $1 million grant to LULAC in 2004.

"In addition to creating 32 new technology centers, the funds will also enable us to maintain 23 current locations established under the previous grant," said LULAC National President Rosa Rosales. "More than 55,000 Latinos received access and instruction on computer technology through AT&T's support in 2004, and we expect this new grant to more than double the number of people we can help."

The grant to LULAC is a part of AT&T AccessAll, a three-year $100 million philanthropic initiative to provide technology access to underserved communities. It will provide each new facility with computer equipment, personnel support, high-speed Internet service and videoconferencing. Eight of the new centers will be housed in LULAC National Educational Service Centers (LNESC), and 24 will be implemented at non-LNESC locations.

Clients served by the community technology centers are low-income and/or first-generation Hispanic-American youth and adults. While a higher percentage of Hispanics are employed compared with any other ethnic group (64 percent employment rate versus 63 percent for the next highest, Current Population Survey, April 2006), Hispanics are far more likely than the average American to be among the working poor. In addition, according to a new study by Pew Hispanic Center, 53 percent of Hispanics who are not online say this is because they do not have access. Empower Hispanic America with Technology is aimed at combating these inequities by giving Hispanics the necessary skills, and access, to compete in today's technology-driven workplaces.

"In today's digital world, the impact of connecting underserved communities with technology resources is immeasurable as we look at economic mobility," said Sonya Medina, director of the AT&T Foundation. "Our support for the Empower Hispanic America with Technology initiative reflects AT&T's commitment to strengthening education and community development opportunities through technology."

The LULAC-affiliated centers provide access to and instruction on modern computer technology in addition to assistance with resumes, college application preparation, GED preparation, financial aid research, and online citizenship services and job-search programs. Program participants use high-speed Internet access, computer equipment and basic office applications software to develop job skills, research career options, educational opportunities and other resources.

AT&T's signature AccessAll initiative is a landmark three-year $100 million philanthropic initiative that connects families and communities with technology tools that can improve lives. The program will provide technology access, tools and training to low-income families, underserved communities and the organizations that work to strengthen communities.

AT&T and the AT&T Foundation support efforts that enrich and strengthen diverse communities nationwide, particularly initiatives with an emphasis on education and technology and those that benefit underserved populations. Since 1996, the AT&T Foundation has contributed more than $40 million in grants to organizations serving Hispanic communities across the country.

For a complete list of locations receiving assistance, check out the AT&T press release.

TiVo and Verizon Wireless recently announced the availability of TiVo® Mobile scheduling, a downloadable application available only through Verizon Wireless. TiVo Mobile scheduling allows subscribers to purchase the mobile service through select Verizon Wireless handsets and schedule recordings on their Series2™ or Series3™ TiVo boxes.

TiVo and Verizon Wireless say they are bringing consumers the convenience of scheduling television recordings while away from the living room. Whether you are away from home or discussing TV at the water cooler, all that is needed is a select Verizon Wireless Get It Now®-enabled handset to schedule recordings on your TiVo box.

"TiVo continues to transform and revolutionize the way people control and watch television," said Jim Denney, vice president of product marketing at TiVo. "TiVo Mobile scheduling gives Verizon Wireless customers unprecedented control of their television experience and provides that control wherever they are."

Ryan Hughes, vice president of digital media for Verizon noted, "TiVo built its reputation by making television relevant to its customers, while Verizon Wireless built and maintains the nation's most reliable wireless network. This innovative service adds a new layer of relevance and immediacy, so even when they're thousands of miles away from their televisions, TiVo subscribers can program their favorite shows."

TiVo Mobile scheduling uses the award-winning TiVo interface to give subscribers the ability to easily search for and browse through listings to find shows that they want to record. Subscribers to the TiVo Mobile scheduling service will also have access to premium entertainment content that is updated daily, including a customizable channel lineup, the most popular and most recorded shows and a current list of recommendations from TiVo.

TiVo Mobile scheduling is available for $1.99 monthly access on select Get It Now-enabled phones, including the Samsung SCH-a950, Chocolate by LG and LG VX8300.

For more information, see the TiVo press release.

The General Services Administration (GSA) today awarded Qwest Communications International Inc. a stake in Networx, the largest communications services contract in the world. Qwest will participate in the U.S. government program that is valued at approximately $20 billion over the next 10 years to provide leading-edge voice, data and video services, including managed and secure advanced data networks, to federal agencies nationwide.

Today, Qwest is a leading provider to more than 50 federal government agencies, including the Department of Energy, Department of Defense, Department of Justice and the Department of Treasury. The Networx Universal award enables Qwest to aggressively compete for billions of dollars of additional federal government communication business.

"This is a big win for Qwest that complements our progress over the last five years and is a testament to Qwest"s status as a leading, national, tier-one communications provider," said Qwest Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard C. Notebaert. "All Qwest customers across the nation will see benefits. Qwest already is offering to its business customers many of the advanced features that are required in Networx and customers will continue to benefit from Qwest"s investments in broadband technologies to support next-generation applications that are anticipated by GSA."

The Networx program will provide comprehensive, best-of-breed communications and networking services and technical solutions to all federal agencies. It will allow the agencies to focus resources on building a seamless and interoperable operating environment while GSA ensures agency access to the best technology industry has to offer.

"Although Qwest is already a leading supplier to the U.S. government, this award enables us to grow our federal business," said Diana Gowen, senior vice president and general manager of Qwest government services. "It"s also good for government customers because including Qwest in Networx provides federal agencies with more choices, which will enable creative solutions and excellent price performance for the U.S. government and the taxpayers."

"A Networx Universal spot is akin to a 'Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval' for data and voice product portfolios, customer service and national network capabilities," said analyst Mark Winther, vice president of worldwide telecommunications at IDC. "Networx Universal winners secured the endorsement of one of the most discriminating customers in the world, in one of the most complex and thorough communications proposals ever. Networx winners will attract additional business and residential customers that want to work only with the best."

In addition to Networx, Qwest recently has received other large awards from the U.S. government. In November, Qwest was the winner of a contract worth up to $100 million from the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) to provide bandwidth transmission services for connecting military installations located across the West to the Global Information Grid (GIG) over the next 10 years. And last month, Qwest announced it will be the sole provider of telecommunications services to federal agencies in nine Western states in a contract from the GSA worth at least $10 million.

Good news, golf fans! AT&T announced this week that you can now enjoy more of the 2007 Masters Tournament as the company launches its first major content initiative across the three screens central to customers' lives: the wireless device, the TV and the PC.

Under an agreement with the Masters, AT&T will provide golf fans with access to Masters previews and daily highlights, live tournament and practice range coverage, player interviews, live updates, links to real-time scoreboards and more. Masters coverage will be available through AT&T blue room, AT&T U-verse^SM TV, AT&T Homezone^SM service, AT&T U-verse OnTheGo, AT&T Broadband TV, and Cingular, now AT&T, wireless service. Live video, including Masters Extra and Amen Corner Live, real-time scoring and additional information is also available on the Masters official Web site, masters.org.

The deal furthers the company's commitment to deliver compelling content across the three screens. AT&T offers customers a wide variety of content through a portfolio of advanced video, broadband and wireless services, bringing customers more of the entertainment they enjoy and strengthening programmers' and advertisers' connections with new and loyal audiences.

"By extending the excitement of the 2007 Masters Tournament across the three screens, AT&T is giving golf fans more ways to enjoy one of the greatest traditions in all of sports," said Dan York, head of content and programming, AT&T Entertainment Services. "As audiences look to get content on the range of digital devices, three-screen entertainment is the future. The Masters recognizes that successful programming translates to all three screens, which AT&T can deliver to consumers, programmers and advertisers."

For more information, check out the AT&T press release.

DiversityInc has named Verizon Communications to the number six position on the magazine's 2007 Top 50 Companies for Diversity list. Verizon has consistently been among the magazine's top ranked companies for diversity.

"Verizon Communications is much different from the average corporation; it is a true champion of diversity," said Luke Visconti, partner and cofounder of DiversityInc.

This is the first time Verizon Business was included in the application process, along with Verizon's wireline and wireless business groups. Verizon also ranked number three for the recruitment and retention of women and minorities and number eight in recruitment and retention of African-American employees.

The 50 companies, selected from among 317 submissions, were announced during a live video Webcast on March 21.

Verizon established its supplier diversity program more than 20 years ago to create mutually beneficial business relationships with a diverse body of suppliers, a process that strengthens communities and creates value for shareholders. Verizon's goal is to increase year-over-year spending with companies owned and managed by minorities, women, people with disabilities and Vietnam-era and service-disabled veterans. Verizon spent $2.6 billion last year with such businesses.

In March, the Women's Business Enterprise National Council again named Verizon one of the top American corporations for women's business enterprises. The winners were selected on the basis of their world-class supplier diversity programs, which offer equal access for women's business enterprises in competing for, and winning, corporate contracts for goods and services.

The council also named Verizon one of the top American corporations for women's business enterprises in 2006. Also this year, Verizon earned a Top 10 ranking on Black MBA magazine's list of Top 50 Companies for African-American MBAs to Work. In 2006, Verizon was recognized as a leader in workplace practices in numerous benchmarks including BusinessWeek, Working Mother magazine, LatinaStyle and Black Enterprise.

Verizon says that diversity is part of the company's culture and an integral part of its business strategy, which cuts across all business groups and functions—from human resources and supplier relations, to marketing and philanthropy.

Through its philanthropic arm, the Verizon Foundation, Verizon contributed more than $31 million in 2006 to charitable causes and organizations that serve minority communities across the country.

Verizon says depends on the unique talents, perspectives and experiences of all employees in an increasingly competitive marketplace to be a leader in the delivery of broadband and other communication innovations.

Minority employees account for nearly 34 percent of Verizon's work force and make up nearly 38 percent of Verizon's management team. The company's recruitment strategy depends on forming partnerships with colleges and universities as well as professional and community-based organizations. Employees can create their own road map for advancement through mentoring, training, education initiatives, and through development and leadership initiatives that target high-performing employees, with a special focus on identifying women and minorities for developmental opportunities.

For more information, check out the press release DiversityInc Magazine Ranks Verizon No. 6 on Publication's List of Top 50 Companies for Diversity.

A federal judge dealt a serious blow to Vonage last week that sent the company's stock plunging. U.S. District Court Judge Claude Hilton said he would issue a permanent injunction against the VoIP company that will bar it from using patented technology owned by Verizon Communications.

Hilton said the injunction, which followed a jury decision that Vonage had infringed on three Verizon patents, is required because monetary damages do nothing to "prevent continued erosion of the client base of the plaintiff." However, he won't formally enter the injunction for another two weeks, while he considers Vonage's request for a stay of either 120 days or until its appeal is heard at another hearing that was originally scheduled for Friday, April 6.

Vonage has seen its share price fall 80 percent since its initial public offering last year as a result of legal challenges and heightened competition. Vonage tried to reassure customers concerned by the judge's ruling, just as the company did following the jury decision earlier this month.

"We are confident Vonage customers will not experience service interruptions or other changes as a result of this litigation," Vonage Chief Executive Mike Snyder said in a statement released last week following the judges comments.

According to a recent Dow Jones report, Vonage has been vague in describing how an injunction would affect its services, other than it plans to use a technology "workaround" to avoid infringement of the Verizon patents. They also say that It's relatively common in these cases to keep the solutions under wraps until they are required to be used. Vonage filed a legal brief on the issue under seal.

For more information, check out the Smart Money article Judge Sides With Verizon Over Vonage.

AT&T recently announced a $500,000 contribution to After-School All-Stars, which targets at-risk middle school children across the country. The contribution will specifically support after-school programs at the San Antonio, Texas and San Diego, Los Angeles and San Jose, California affiliates. The goal of the program is to offer children positive alternatives to drugs, gangs and violence by providing opportunities for them to focus on technology, education, sports and life skills.

Serving 60,000 youth annually through after-school and summer programs in 14 U.S. cities, After-School All-Stars improves the lives of children by providing a place where they can nurture their minds, bodies and spirits through programs that incorporate independent learning, academics and enrichment activities. The AT&T contribution will support the organization's efforts to increase the capacity of the national office in order to provide value-added services to the San Antonio, Texas, and three California affiliates. The contribution will also help to implement a best-practices-sharing program to continually increase program quality and capacity. Since 2004, AT&T has contributed $1,254,000 to the After-School All-Stars program.

In 1990, Arnold Schwarzenegger was appointed to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and traveled to schools all over the U.S. to promote physical fitness. The following year, Schwarzenegger was invited to serve as executive commissioner of the Inner-City Games (ICG), a project of the Hollenbeck Youth Center in Los Angeles bringing sports programs and events to at-risk kids. Seeing the potential to serve kids nationwide, Schwarzenegger founded the Inner-City Games Foundation (ICGF) and took the program to cities around the nation. In 2003, the ICGF expanded to include not just sports but also after-school and summer programs focusing on academics, homework assistance, community service and life skills. In 2003, the ICGF changed its name to After-School All-Stars.

More than 15 million children in the United States have no place to go after school. Law enforcement has labeled the hours between 3 and 6 p.m. as the "danger zone"—when kids are more likely to engage in activities that involve drugs, alcohol and gang activity, as well as become susceptible to crime and violence. In many instances, the only time children participate in extracurricular activities like physical education, music, drama and community service activities is in after-school programs.

"AT&T is committed to providing educational opportunities for youth. Through this contribution, we hope to help strengthen the future for kids and position them for lifelong success," said Lora Watts, AT&T senior vice president of Customer Events Management and ASAS board member. "We are thankful for the leadership of Governor Schwarzenegger and Governor Perry for supporting programs that build opportunities for our children."

"Education will always be a priority for Texas, and we welcome new ideas and programs that will help all of our youth succeed in the academic arena. We thank the After-School All-Stars organization for bringing this crucial investment to San Antonio and to the many students who will benefit from its after-school programs, tutoring and educational resources," said Texas Gov. Rick Perry. "It takes a community to make a difference in the lives of at-risk students, especially in the teenage years when they are most deeply influenced by the people around them. This program brings those community elements together to do just that."

For more information about the After-School All-Stars program, visit www.afterschoolallstars.org..

AT&T Inc. announced today that the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the nation's leading advocate of women-owned businesses as suppliers to America's corporations, has named AT&T as one of America's Top Corporations for Women's Business Enterprises.

AT&T and BellSouth, acquired by AT&T in late 2006, were selected for this honor after successfully demonstrating that the companies had made a substantive commitment, both qualitatively and quantitatively, to enhance contracting opportunities for women business enterprises (WBEs). WBENC will recognize the company and other corporate leaders that demonstrate best practices for supporting women's business enterprises in the March 16 issue of Fortune Small Business magazine. AT&T and the former BellSouth will also receive the Women's Business Enterprise Award on March 30 at a special awards presentation held in conjunction with WBENC's 2007 Salute to Women's Business Enterprises: The Enterprising Economy in Dallas, Texas.

In recognizing AT&T, Linda Denny, interim president of WBENC, said, "AT&T has 'raised the bar' with respect to implementing and innovating best practices in purchasing from women's business enterprises. We are recognizing AT&T as one of America's Top Corporations for Women's Business Enterprises because the company has made a number of significant contributions that proactively integrate WBEs at all levels within its supply chain. AT&T is also very consistent, year over year, in its ongoing commitment to this important group of vendors."

"We are honored to receive this award from WBENC. Supplier diversity is an integral part of AT&T's business strategy, and we pride ourselves on our world-class WBE initiatives," said Maureen Merkle, president-Procurement, AT&T. "Like AT&T, the former BellSouth has always had a strong commitment to supplier diversity. Now that we are AT&T, we are in an even stronger position to cultivate valuable relationships with women-owned and diverse businesses in the communities we serve."

This is the eighth consecutive year that AT&T has received this honor from WBENC. The company has been included among the Top Corporations since the list's inception. In 2005, AT&T spent $2.4 billion with diverse suppliers, representing 15 percent of its procurement base, including more than $760 million with women-owned businesses. In fostering diversity and inclusion, AT&T has created a better business environment, one that makes the company an employer of choice, a preferred business partner and an important contributor to the community.

For more information, check out the AT&T press release.

The Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) has named Verizon one of the top American corporations for women's business enterprises. The council says that the winners were selected on the basis of their world-class supplier diversity programs, which offer equal access for women's business enterprises in competing for, and winning, corporate contracts for goods and services.

"Verizon is a leader in enriching the value chain by working with innovative and highly competitive women's business enterprises," said WBENC interim President Linda Denny. "By leveling the playing field for women's businesses across their organization, Verizon is rewarded with outstanding products and services that benefit their customers and their shareholders."

Established more than 20 years ago, the Verizon Supplier Diversity Program works to create mutually beneficial business relationships with a diverse body of suppliers, a process that strengthens communities and creates value for shareholders. Verizon's goal is to increase year-over-year spending with companies owned and managed by minorities, women, people with disabilities and Vietnam-era and service-disabled veterans (MWDVBE).

The WBENC also named Verizon one of the top American corporations for women's business enterprises in 2006. Verizon spent $2.5 billion that year with such businesses. The WBENC is the only organization that brings together women business enterprises and corporations to work to improve marketing opportunities for women-owned businesses as vendors and suppliers to the nation's top corporations. Verizon is a sponsor and supporter of the WBENC's advocacy for maximizing the competitive edge of self-employed, entrepreneurial women.

Verizon and the 15 other winners will receive the Women's Business Enterprise Award on March 30 in Dallas.

Verizon is also a charter member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable, a group organized to promote research, education and best practices in supply-chain diversity. The company's approach includes operating a Web site that allows MWDVBE suppliers to participate in an online registration process that matches prospective suppliers' competencies with business needs. Verizon's Second Tier/Prime Supplier Program enhances opportunities for women-owned businesses by continually increasing the number of prime suppliers participating in the program and encouraging the use of women and minority suppliers as subcontractors.

A 2006 benchmarking study commissioned by WBENC and conducted by the Center for Women's Business Research found that women-owned businesses are beating the industry average of keeping and growing corporate contracts.

The results revealed that 40 percent of WBENC's corporate members increased their spending by at least 10 percent over the last three years with women-owned firms, compared with 24 percent of corporate members who increased their spending with suppliers overall.

There are 7.7 million majority-women-owned companies, or those with 51 percent ownership by women, employing 7.1 million people and generating $1.1 trillion in sales, according to the Center for Women's Business Research. Over the past two decades, majority-women-owned firms have continued to grow at around two times the rate of all companies.

For more information, check out the press release Women's Business Enterprise National Council Names Verizon a Top American Corporation for Second Consecutive Year.

CRO magazine recently named Motorola Inc. to its list of the "100 Best Corporate Citizens." The 2007 ranking marks the second year in a row that Motorola has earned the fourth spot on the list and the fourth time that Motorola has appeared in the top 10.

The annual ranking is based on the evaluation of more than 1,100 of the largest U.S. publicly traded companies in eight key categories: shareholders, community, governance, diversity, employees, environment, human rights and product.

"Corporate responsibility is inherent in everything we do - from our commitment to strong environmental, health and safety practices to our community support and efforts to foster a diverse and engaged workforce," said Maryann Clifford, corporate vice president, who leads Motorola's corporate responsibility efforts. "Being named as one of the country's top corporate citizens is a testament to the work of our employees around the world to uphold such strong standards that benefit both Motorola and our customers."

Analysis by KLD Research & Analytics to develop the ranking noted that Motorola is particularly effective in reporting on social, environmental and economic performance measures, and that the company has taken significant steps to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate contributions to global climate change and air pollution.

Recycling is another priority for the company. Motorola has developed a variety of reuse and recycling programs for mobile phones and accessories. The Race to Recycle program encourages U.S. K-12 students to collect used phones—Motorola or other brands—in exchange for a cash contribution to their schools.

The Motorola Foundation's global support for education-focused initiatives also was scored as a company strength in the list analysis. In 2006, Motorola and the Foundation's charitable giving increased to more than $21 million, with primary focus on math, science, technology and engineering educational programming for both teachers and students. Motorola also became a global partner of (RED), selling a range of phones from which a percentage of profits is donated to the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in Africa. The company also continues to promote economic activity in developing countries through greater access to mobile telecommunications.

"The 100 Best distinguish themselves from their peers at other large public companies by embracing higher standards—combining strong financial performance with responsible practices on environmental and social issues," said Michael Connor, publisher and editor of CRO magazine. "We salute the 100 Best for their leadership roles in the field of corporate responsibility."

Motorola has been recognized repeatedly for its corporate responsibility efforts. In addition to being named as one of the country's "100 Best Corporate Citizens," several rating agencies and indices recognized Motorola as a socially responsible investment in 2006. The company also was named one of Fortune magazine's Most Admired companies in 2006 and has received numerous awards for its employment, environment and supplier diversity initiatives.

The 100 Best Corporate Citizens list was developed by Business Ethics magazine, which was incorporated last year into The CRO, a premier membership organization for corporate responsibility officers. CRO magazine will publish the full list in its January-February 2007 issue. More details regarding the 100 Best Corporate Citizens list are available on the CRO Web site.

Cartoon Network New Media announced today it has created CallToons, a new mobile application that integrates smart technology with entertainment, essentially allowing Cartoon Network characters to take over a mobile phone. Using patent pending technology, CallToons creates an unparalleled user experience that replaces ordinary mobile phone functions (such as ringtones and wallpapers) with an all-encompassing entertainment platform provided by the users' favorite character. At launch, CallToons will feature characters from Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, and will be offered as separate services for each brand. CallToons is targeted to be available to consumers in Q4 2007.

According to ZDNet News, one choice for adults could be the cynical next-door neighbor Carl from Aqua Teen Hunger Force. Carl first growls "Hey," but if the call is not answered, he gets more irate and ends with "Pick up your friggin' phone." If the same ignored caller phones again, Carl eventually yells, "You're lazy. That's nice. That's fine. Like you get paid by the government or something?"

The same concept will be applied to other characters, with milder messages for fans of children's cartoons.

"CallToons extends our fans' relationship with our characters in a personal and interactive way through a mobile phone," said Paul Condolora, senior vice president and general manager for Cartoon Network New Media. "With this application, we are developing a novel approach to the mobile experience. CallToons is a natural next step for the company and offers limitless cross-platform entertainment possibilities with cartoon characters, celebrities, sports figures and beyond."

'"CallToons does more than set a character's voice to a ringtone. CallToons allows a character's personality to take over the mobile phone's functionality so that they actually interact with the user and incoming callers in a unique way," said Ross Cox, Senior Director of Entertainment Products, Cartoon Network New Media.

Cartoon Network New Media developed CallToons in conjunction with Turner Platform R&D, and has been in discussions with Ericsson regarding concept refinement and content delivery options. The technology takes Cartoon Network New Media into mobile licensing as the product will be available to non-Turner companies in the future.

CallToons ties together popular mobile content such as ringtones, ringbacks, wallpapers, and audio and text alerts into a character-driven narrative experience unlike any mobile content offering available on the market today. Cartoon Network New Media will introduce additional functionality to the CallToons application in the coming months.

For more information, check out the Cartoon Network press release or the ZDNet News article.

DO U LIKE ME? TXT 1, 4 YES; 2, 4 NO

If you can decipher that message, you may have a better chance for romance this Valentine's Day. According to AT&T's new survey, short, to the point, and sometimes discreet love notes aren't just for candy hearts anymore. Now they're sweetening up wireless text messaging between cell phones. Thirty-three percent of people surveyed say they communicate with their date or mate via text messaging in 2007, an increase of six percentage points from last year. Twenty-eight percent of users also report using text messaging to flirt. Looks like Cupid has tapped into the text messaging craze.

For the fourth year, Cingular Wireless, part of the new AT&T, has commissioned a survey of adult cell phone users to determine how cell phones have affected their romantic lives. The survey was conducted in January 2007 by ICR (International Communications Research) among 1,006 wireless users and reveals that SMS and MMS-based communication between partners is on the rise.

"Text messaging has become part of the social fabric of dating in America," said Jennifer Bowcock, director of consumer public relations for Cingular Wireless, the new AT&T. "People can text one another to make plans or even say 'I love you' when they may not have the time or ability to make a voice call. It is definitely a discreet and simple way to stay connected."

Also significant in the survey results, 59 percent of active daters use text messaging to communicate with their dates, while only 30 percent of those who are married, in a committed relationship or not dating do the same with their partners.

Need a little help bringing the romance? AT&T has some suggestions to help you out this Valentine's Day:

• Text messages allow you to let your loved one know you are thinking about them, even if you're at work or a public place where a voice call isn't appropriate. Say I LOVE U or HEY CU T whenever the mood strikes.
• Consider using your camera phone to snap a picture of a vase of fresh flowers or a hand-made heart drawn on paper and then use multimedia messaging to send the romantic image to your sweetheart. If you want to add a little heat to the fire, tap out a love note to include with the photo using text messaging. That's sure to make even Cupid smile.
• Ready to take your love to the next level? Show your favorite guy or girl that you've set their picture as your phone screen's background.
• If you are expecting a call during a date, let your date know in advance that you might have to take it, that way he or she won't take you out with the trash.
• Lastly, always be sensible and remember that a dinner or movie date is no place for a ringing phone if you want to live happily ever after.

If you need a little more help, check out the AT&T press release for details on how to bring a little more heart to your cell phone use this month.

AT&T recently announced that Frost & Sullivan selected AT&T Homezone(SM) service as the 2007 North American Consumer Communication Services Product of the Year.

The Frost & Sullivan Award for Product of the Year recognizes the company that has demonstrated excellence in new products and technologies within its industry. In selecting AT&T for this award, Frost & Sullivan noted, "AT&T has incorporated a coherent product strategy to retain its competitive position in the consumer services space and to provide customers with an integrated home-entertainment experience."

"AT&T's Homezone services builds on the company's reputation as a reliable network provider and a consumer services innovator," said Jeff Weber, vice president, AT&T Product and Strategy. "This award from Frost & Sullivan recognizes the original thinking and careful planning that went into bringing this service to market and that our mission to connect with customers via the three screens they value most—the TV, the PC and the wireless phone—is working."

With AT&T Homezone services, the company became the first national telecommunications provider to offer seamlessly integrated video content and TV entertainment to the "digital living room," through both broadband and traditional satellite networks via a single set-top device.

AT&T Homezone integrates AT&T Yahoo!(R) High-Speed Internet, AT&T | DISH Network satellite television and AT&T Home Networking services. It features digital videorecording, movies on demand, photo and music sharing, storage for both, and remote Web-based access to the system. It will soon also include remote access to the system through wireless devices. The service is available across most of the company's traditional broadband footprint.

"With its Homezone service, AT&T has demonstrated a commitment to delivering consistent growth in the future as it has in the past," said Piyush Arora, Frost & Sullivan analyst. "This service builds on AT&T's existing infrastructure and video delivery strategy to combine satellite TV programming with new levels of integration and on-demand content via broadband. It's a real homerun for consumers and AT&T."

For more information, check out the AT&T press release.

Verizon is expanding its global reach through a new business unit called Verizon Business India. According to an article in today's Wall Street Journal, Verizon is filing for a long distance license in India that will make it a more powerful competitor, along with rival AT&T, in offering telecommunications and high-speed Internet services to multinational companies doing business in South Asia.

India's economy is growing at an astounding pace. With more educated English speakers than the entire U.S. population, Indian citizens enjoy a better than usual advantage in global trade. It's not just about outsourcing U.S. call center operations or off-shoring computer code writers: it's about India moving onto the world stage as both a marketplace and an economic power. With an economy that's already larger than Japan's, India's phone is about to start ringing.

AT&T Inc. and A&E Television Networks today announced a comprehensive multiyear distribution agreement to deliver AETN linear, High Definition (HD) and on-demand programming as part of the AT&T U-verse^SM TV channel lineup.

Under the agreement, AT&T will deliver the following AETN brands to AT&T U-verse customers: A&E Network, The History Channel, The History Channel En Español, The Biography Channel, History International, Crime & Investigation Network and The Military History Channel. AT&T U-verse will also carry A&E Network in HD. The AT&T U-verse video-on-demand (VOD) library will also feature several hours of AETN VOD popular programming each month, including "Dog The Bounty Hunter" and "Intervention" from A&E and "Digging for the Truth" and "Dogfights" from The History Channel.

"AT&T is thrilled to bring AETN's exceptional entertainment and educational programming to our U-verse channel lineup," said Dan York, head of programming, AT&T Operations, Inc. "Customers will experience history and connect with the some of the world's most fascinating people through AETN's compelling programming."

"AETN is pleased to deliver its entire portfolio of high-quality programming over AT&T's advanced video platform," said David Zagin, executive vice president, distribution, AETN. "By adding our innovative and widely viewed networks, including HD and VOD, AT&T is giving its U-verse customers access to some of today's most desirable content."

You can read more in this AT&T press release.

Qwest announced that the company and its employees and retirees have shown their Spirit of Service to the Denver, Colorado, community by pledging $1.3 million to Mile High United Way in 2007. Qwest's commitment is the largest corporate gift to Mile High United Way for the current 2006-2007 fundraising campaign.

"Qwest has a long history of giving generously to the communities it serves across the Western United States, but this year's gift to Mile High United Way is tremendous," said Brian Gallagher, president and chief executive officer of United Way of America.

Qwest says its priority in the community is to improve the quality of education for children and teens from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The company's $1.3 million gift will also help support Mile High United Way's School Readiness and Youth Success Initiatives.

"Investing in education is a core part of Qwest's commitment to communities," said Teresa Taylor, executive vice president and chief human resources officer for Qwest. "We believe in the power of education to change lives and communities, and we have confidence in Mile High United Way's ability to maximize our gift to make sure young children are ready to learn when they begin kindergarten and that all students can successfully graduate from high school."

Qwest's $1.3 million pledge is an increase of more than 40 percent over its gift to Mile High United Way last year. Nationally, Qwest's giving to local United Way organizations increased from $3 million last year to $4 million this year. In addition to its financial gift, Qwest employees and retirees volunteered more than one million hours of community service in 2006 with a primary focus on pre-K through 12th grade education.

For more information, read the Qwest press release.

Thanks to Verizon telephone customers who participated in Verizon's convenient Check Into Literacy Program, nonprofit organizations throughout 26 states and Washington, D.C., will receive more than $1.28 million to bolster local literacy efforts.

The Check Into Literacy Program enables Verizon landline telephone customers to support literacy by simply checking a box on their monthly phone bills to make a $1 tax-deductible donation. Verizon then distributes the donations to local literacy organizations that serve the individual states the customers live in.

"The generosity of our customers and the commitment of our Verizon employee volunteers go hand-in-hand in our grassroots campaign to continue the important work of improving literacy in our communities," said Verizon Foundation President Patrick Gaston.

Residents of Washington, D.C., and the following states took part in the program: Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

Residents of the following states contributed the greatest amount to the program: Pennsylvania, $304,001; New Jersey, $186,386; Massachusetts, $126,763; California, $95,046; and Maryland, $78,477.

The Verizon Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications. Committed to improving literacy and K-12 education, fostering awareness and prevention of domestic violence and promoting the use of technology in health-care delivery, the foundation awarded more than $69 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the United States and abroad in 2006. The foundation also matched charitable donations from Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in $29 million in combined contributions. Under the foundation's Verizon Volunteer initiative, one of the nation's largest employee-volunteer programs, company employees and retirees have also contributed nearly 3 million hours of community service since Verizon's inception in 2000.

Fore more information, check out Verizon Customers Help Improve Literacy in Their Communities by Donating More Than $1.28 million To Nonprofit Organizations Through Monthly Program.

AT&T and Atlanta Classic Foundation officials announced last week that the new name of Atlanta's annual PGA TOUR stop is the AT&T Classic. The new name and logo for the May 14-20, 2007, tournament at TPC at Sugarloaf in Duluth, Georgia reflect the recently approved merger between AT&T and BellSouth.

"AT&T is honored to be associated with a longtime Atlanta event that gives back so much to local charities," said Rod Odom, president and CEO, AT&T Southeast. "AT&T has a long tradition of service in the community, and we're pleased that the AT&T Classic will continue its rich tradition of hospitality, charity, and world-class golf on an outstanding course for players and galleries alike."

"AT&T is one of the world's most recognized and respected brands," said Dave Kaplan, tournament director, AT&T Classic. "We're thrilled to be associated with a company that's well-known locally, around the world, and in the golfing community. We anticipate a seamless transition as we work with our new friends at AT&T. As always, our primary goals will be to host the greatest golfers in the world and to raise funds for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and other local and national charities."

In addition to the AT&T Classic, AT&T sponsors The Masters, the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, and two CHAMPIONS TOUR events in San Antonio and Los Angeles. AT&T's sponsorship agreement with the AT&T Classic runs through the 2010 tournament.

The AT&T Classic, now in its 39th year, will offer a total purse of $5.4 million, up $100,000 from last year. In 2006, the tournament contributed a record $1.7 million to local charities. Since 1983, the tournament has donated more than $12.3 million to local charitable organizations.

Professionals who are expected to compete in May include two-time defending champion Phil Mickelson, two-time U.S. Open champion Retief Goosen, Chris DiMarco, Sugarloaf resident Stewart Cink and many more of the world's finest golfers.

For more information, check out the press release Introducing the AT&T Classic.