Shared Technologies Cellular Announces Agreement
24 September 1998
Shared Technologies Cellular Announces Agreement With SmarTalk Teleservices to Provide Nationwide Cellular Service
WETHERSFIELD, Conn.--Sept. 24, 1998--Expanded retail distribution confirmed
TV advertising generating 1,000 orders per day
Shared Technologies Cellular, Inc. (STC) today announced that it has extended through the end of 1999 the Company's role as the nationwide service provider for SmarTalk's prepaid cellular phone program. The phones, equipped with STC's prepaid cellular service and incorporating prepaid technology from Telemac Corporation, will be sold through Kmart, Service Merchandise, Hills Department Stores, Fred Meyer, Ace Hardware, Fry's Electronics, Longs Drugs, Bradlees, Northern Auto, and BJ's Wholesale Club. The prepaid cellular phone program is also advertised through direct-response television commercials featuring personality Dick Clark.
"This partnership brings together one of the nation's largest distributors of prepaid services with one of the nation's largest providers of prepaid cellular services," said Anthony D. Autorino, STC's chairman and chief executive officer. "Combining SmarTalk's extensive distribution outlets and TV advertising schedule with STC's national cellular coverage (approximately 240 million pops) and information systems positions the two companies as the industry leaders in prepaid cellular services," Mr. Autorino added.
In addition to having the product on retail shelves under the SmarTalk name, some 10,000 TV spots advertising the cellular phones and service are broadcast each month. "We're currently processing about 1,000 orders per day," Mr. Autorino said, "and because of our automated systems and recently upgraded call center we're assigning phone numbers to over 90% of the customers immediately upon calling our activation center."
"STC has proven itself to be one of the strongest national prepaid cellular service providers with the ability to cover SmarTalk's extensive distribution channels," said Erich Spangenberg, SmarTalk's chief executive officer. "Together we have ensured that the systems and personnel are in place to handle the increase in orders expected as a result of the expansion of retail distribution channels."
Headquartered in Wethersfield, Connecticut, STC is a national cellular services provider, offering rental, prepaid, and activation services across the United States. STC offers its rental services through marketing agreements with car rental companies and various airlines and hotels throughout the United States. Prepaid and standard activation services are offered coast-to-coast through national retail outlets and cellular carriers. As a reseller or agent for most cellular carriers, STC can offer cellular services to approximately 94% of the U.S. population. Customers may call a national toll-free number for both rental (800-933-3836) and debit (800-873-5165) activation services.
Any statements released by STC that are forward-looking are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Editors and investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainties which may affect STC's business prospects and performance. Actual results may differ materially from the results predicted, and reported results should not be considered an indication of future performance. Potential risks and uncertainties may include economic, competitive, governmental, technological, or other factors discussed in STC's filings with the SEC on forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K.