In the Media

Wireless World: Prepaid Cell Phones A Hit In The USA

United Press International

July 16, 2004
CHICAGO, July 16 (UPI) -- William "Marty" Kotis III sent a mobile phone, charged with pre-paid minutes, to Donald Trump, trying to land a spot on his reality television show, "The Apprentice." Kotis received a call back from the casting director of the program, who dialed the phone number pre-programmed into the handset.

"The stunt did get me some extra attention," Kotis, a real estate executive and aspiring TV star in Greensboro, N.C., told United Press International.

Pre-paid mobile phones, once the province of the credit-challenged, are emerging as the hottest niche in the wireless world.....

"Mobile phone companies have the ability to authorize
or deny access to services, including voice or messaging,
in real-time, based on one's available balance," said Patrick
Lopez, product director of data products at Redknee Inc.,
located in suburban Toronto.  "It's quite sophisticated."

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