UPDATED 08:20 EDT / APRIL 04 2011

AT&T Sells Mobile Security, Preps for T-Mobile World Tour Talks

As AT&T sets out for an optimistic promotional tour discussing its T-Mobile merger, the carrier is rolling out a new marketing campaign around mobile security.  It’s set out the new AT&T Mobile Protection Pack, which provides full protection and service support for several AT&T-powered mobile phones.  It’s another feature-riddled update presented to consumers that have stuck around, adding some customer service perks for users.  The offering is available for $9.99 per month inclusive three services, two of which are existing AT&T features – Mobile Insurance and Enhanced Support – added with a new feature called Mobile Locate app, which is available only via the package.

“This package is designed with the customer and their wireless support needs in mind,” said Mark Collins, senior vice president, Voice and Data Products, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “Now concentrated in one service package, customers have a more convenient, affordable and seamless way to protect and manage their wireless device.”

Formerly known as Wireless Phone Insurance, Mobile Insurance replaces lost, stolen, and damaged phones (accidental or liquid damage, and mechanical or electrical failure) after the expiration of the manufacturer’s warranty. Sign up period is within 30 days of service activation or device upgrade. Enhanced support offer direct live web and phone support for device set up and general “how to” assistance. Service agent access to the customer’s device can also be granted by the customer via a secure connection in case of management and troubleshooting. Finally, mobile locate allows users to remotely locate, lock and sound an alarm on their musing phone provided that they are turned on and is within AT&T’s network coverage area.

Should you avail only mobile insurance, you can avail is separately at $4.99 per month per mobile number, so is Enhanced Support for $9.00 per mobile number.

It’s a feature-add that’s replicated through several security apps, for Android’s platform and iOS as well.  Mobile security is a major concern for smartphone and tablet consumers right now, with Android facing a good amount of critique for its platform vulnerabilities and fragmentation.  Google’s taking steps to promote a safer consumer experience on Android, though its delays around releasing the source code for Honeycomb 3.0 has attracted developer concerns as well.  Amazon’s taking full advantage of Google’s shortcomings, promoting a safer access point for Android apps, through its own app store.

AT&T sees benefits in Amazon’s marketplace methods, forging a partnership with Amazon to bring the App Store closer to customers.  And much to the dismay of some Android-lovers, if they can’t access the alternate app market on their devices. Google’s still anxious to operate full circle on its platform, as Google Voice recently updated its Android Voice Search for pig latin, with another carrier opportunity coming through full integration with Sprint phones, a marketing coupe as well. Beyond mobile, Google’s also deployed a new experimental fiber network in Kansas City.


Since you’re here …

… We’d like to tell you about our mission and how you can help us fulfill it. SiliconANGLE Media Inc.’s business model is based on the intrinsic value of the content, not advertising. Unlike many online publications, we don’t have a paywall or run banner advertising, because we want to keep our journalism open, without influence or the need to chase traffic.The journalism, reporting and commentary on SiliconANGLE — along with live, unscripted video from our Silicon Valley studio and globe-trotting video teams at theCUBE — take a lot of hard work, time and money. Keeping the quality high requires the support of sponsors who are aligned with our vision of ad-free journalism content.

If you like the reporting, video interviews and other ad-free content here, please take a moment to check out a sample of the video content supported by our sponsors, tweet your support, and keep coming back to SiliconANGLE.