Cingular Offers Yahoo Phone

Cingular Wireless on Tuesday started offering a Nokia handset that provides quick access to Yahoo Inc. services, such as Web mail, photos, instant messaging and local search.

The Nokia 6682 is sold with Yahoo Go Mobile service integrated within the phone. The pre-loaded handsets are available in the 13 states serviced by AT&T Inc., formerly SBC Communications Inc. The new offering was unveiled last month at the Consumer Electronics Shows in Las Vegas, Nev.

The Yahoo mobile package also includes an address book, calendar, image search and customized news, weather and sports. In offering the service, AT&T said it fits into its strategy of targeting the cell phone, PC and TV with its services.

In addition, Cingular, a joint venture between AT&T and BellSouth Corp., is apparently looking to drive use of data services among Yahoo subscribers. Carriers charge extra for data services.

"We're helping our customers enjoy the digital lifestyle by giving them virtually anywhere, anytime access to their already personalized and customized Web-based communications and entertainment services," Scott Helbing, chief marketing officer, for AT&T Consumer, said in a statement.The Nokia 6682 sells for $200, after a $50 mail-in rebate, with a new two-year Cingular service plan. Cingular sells its voice and data services separately.