GSA Unveils Online Wireless Store OfferingTomorrow's Communications Solutions Today

GSA #9664

April 4, 2000
Contact: Bill Bearden (202) 501-1231

WASHINGTON, DC - The opening of The Wireless Store, an online source for federal government employees to compare and purchase wireless products and services, was announced today by the Federal Technology Service of the U.S. General Services Administration. The Wireless Store is operated as a partnership with Bothell, Washington-based Point.com, a leading online retailer of telecommunications products and services.

"The Wireless Store is a one-stop shop for government employees to research, compare and secure the best prices on commercially available wireless products and services, in addition to those under special contract with GSA," said Sandra Bates, FTS commissioner. Bates said that the store provides comprehensive information in a convenient, easy-to navigate online service and contains cutting edge information about the latest developments in wireless technologies.

The Wireless Store covers four categories of wireless products and services:

Cellular phones and service plans
Pagers and paging services
Satellite services for voice, data and video applications
In-flight services

The online store includes content from Point.com's commercial site as well as existing FTS cellular contracts with Federal Wireless Telecommunications Service (FWTS) and NEXTEL. It also contains contract information and hyperlinks to existing paging and satellite providers. In addition, cellular and paging schedules will be added when awarded by GSA's Federal Supply Service. More content and enhanced functionality will be added to the store in multiple phases throughout the remainder of the year.

Commissioner Bates, a major proponent of this initiative, said that she is excited about the potential of The Wireless Store and "expects it to provide the solution for a whole new level of service to our customers."

You may visit The Wireless Store at http://www.fts.gsa.gov/wireless_store. For additional information call 1-877-WRLS-SVC or e-mail: wireless.store@gsa.gov. You may also contact April Ramey at 703-306-6300 for additional information.