T-Mobile announced on Tuesday that it is now offering the LG GS170, a prepaid phone, in 6,000 Family Dollar stores around the United States. As you might expect from a phone being sold at a dollar store, the $30 GS170 offers a relatively basic feature set. It offers a large keypad, a VGA camera, Bluetooth 2.1 and support for e-mail. The phone will be available with T-Mobile’s no annual contract Monthly 4G plans, which includes the carrier’s $50 unlimited talk, text and web option. “T-Mobile’s track record for providing quality service and customer support fits well with our culture and commitment to the customer, and we are very excited to take our partnership to the next level and begin selling the company’s devices as well,” Family Dollar divisional vice president Bob Giles said, suggesting that Family Dollar will begin to stock more T-Mobile devices in the future. Read on for the full press release.
T-Mobile USA and Family Dollar Partner to Make Prepaid More Accessible and Affordable
T-Mobile introduces prepaid device to Family Dollar stores across AmericaBELLEVUE, Wash., and MATHEWS, N.C. — Aug. 16, 2011 — Today, T-Mobile USA, Inc. and Family Dollar Stores, Inc. announced the availability of a T-Mobile prepaid device — to complement T-Mobile’s innovative prepaid plans and services — in nearly 6,000 Family Dollar locations, one of the fastest-growing discount retail chains in the United States.
Family Dollar customers now have convenient access to an affordable T-Mobile prepaid phone, the LG GS170. Available for $30 (plus taxes and fees), the LG GS170 offers an intuitive user interface with one-touch speakerphone, large visible keys and a high-resolution color display. In addition, the LG GS170 features a VGA camera, MP3 ringtone capability, Bluetooth® 2.1, text and picture messaging capability, and email support packaged in a sleek, pocket-size design.
“T-Mobile is excited to work with Family Dollar to offer an affordable prepaid device to its customers who seek value and convenience when shopping,” said Amy McCune, vice president of national retail, T-Mobile USA. “T-Mobile is delivering great prices, simplicity and a nationwide 4G network with our prepaid products, which we know Family Dollar customers will find appealing.”
Family Dollar customers can take advantage of T-Mobile’s affordable No Annual Contract Monthly4G plans, including the $50 per month plan featuring unlimited talk, unlimited text and unlimited Web, with no overage charges and the first 100 MB of data at up to 4G speeds*, on America’s Largest 4G Network™ for an unlimited and economical way to stay in touch.
Family Dollar stores will highlight T-Mobile’s products, along with other wireless offerings, in colorful new endcap displays that are conveniently placed in front of each Family Dollar store. In-store promotions and marketing collateral will help customers easily locate and learn more about these new T-Mobile products.
“We have had a great relationship with T-Mobile since 2003 and believe that this partnership has been a key factor in Family Dollar becoming one of the nation’s largest national retailers of mobile airtime,” said Bob Giles, divisional vice president for Family Dollar. “T-Mobile’s track record for providing quality service and customer support fits well with our culture and commitment to the customer, and we are very excited to take our partnership to the next level and begin selling the company’s devices as well.”
All invoicing, shipping and supply functions, as well as other operational and fulfillment needs, will be handled through a partnership with Brightstar Corp.
*Monthly4G plans provide access to wireless service for 30 days; capable device required to achieve 4G speeds. After high-speed allotment is used, speeds slowed to up to 2G speeds for remainder of month. T-Mobile’s HSPA+ 4G network not available everywhere. See coverage details at T-Mobile.com.