Sprint's Got AOL

Sign up for AOL, America's favorite Internet service, and join the 23 million other members who can now take AOL wherever they may roam.

That could be the next ad, tucked into those free AOL trial CDs, to land in the mailboxes of Sprint PCS subscribers, thanks to a deal that puts AOL in the third slot on the opening screen of Sprint PCS' Wireless Web.

Famous for making the Internet user-friendly, AOL now wants to do the same for the wireless Internet. Wireless is a key part of the "AOL Anywhere" strategy.

"Ease of use and convenience are things that we hope to extend to mobile products," said Anne Bentley, AOL vice president of communications.

Sprint PCS subscribers with AOL memberships sign in with a user name and password. From there, they can access their e-mail and stock portfolios and get personalized news, weather and sports by registering at AOL.com. Members also can locate restaurants and clubs with Digital City's entertainment guide, get traffic reports and directions via Mapquest's location-based services and check movie times with MovieFone.

"By being the first to deliver AOL's popular features and e-mail services to the wireless Internet via the Sprint PCS Wireless Web, we're giving our customers a clear connection to the best of wireless communications," said Andrew Sukawaty, former Sprint PCS president.

Terms of the nonexclusive agreement remain undisclosed. The new partners will launch a joint advertising campaign in July; AOL will market online while Sprint PCS will focus on off-line media.

Aside from membership dues, Sprint PCS customers face no extra charge for AOL use and can select the Sprint PCS Wireless Web as their free option in Sprint PCS' Free & Clear Plan. Those who don't still can use AOL for a default per-minute rate.

On Wireless Web, AOL joins services including Ameritrade, Amazon.com, CNN, eBay, FTD, Hollywood.com, The Weather Channel and Yahoo. AOL plans to put instant-messaging software in Nokia phones and, with Motorola, will develop a co-branded communications device.

Although the famous "You've Got Mail" voice won't chime from Sprint PCS phones in the near future, Bentley said, "Our members are going to be really interested in this product."