AT&T's Eco-rating makes in-store debut alongside Pantech Renue

In February, at Mobile World Congress, AT&T announced a new program that would rate its various devices on their environmental-friendliness. Now that system is finally getting its in-store debut alongside the impressively green Pantech Renue. The Eco-ratings, which grade devices based on their use of recycled materials and toxic metals such as mercury and lead will give those more concerned with protecting the Earth than having the latest and greatest tech an easy way to determine the device that's right for them. Pantech for its part hopes the Renue, with its 67-percent recycled components and Energy Star-compliant charger will draw at least a few interested parties who wander in to AT&Ts shops. The rugged messaging device doesn't rock Jelly Bean, or any other smartphone OS for that matter, but it does have a slide out QWERTY keyboard for SMS addicts. Check out the video and PR after the break for more details.

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Answering the Sustainability Call: AT&T's Eco-rating System Now Appears In-store

AT&T Empowering Consumer Choice as Majority of Americans Welcome Product Sustainability Information to help with Purchasing Decisions of Devices
Dallas, Texas, July 30, 2012

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After their initial debut at Mobile World Congress earlier this year, AT&T* eco-ratings are now in-store. Starting today, customers will begin to see a simple, easy-to-read-and-understand label attributed to all new AT&T-branded postpaid mobile devices. In addition to these new devices, 13 more from the existing portfolio will also be designated with an eco-rating.

This announcement comes on the heels of a survey conducted by AT&T in June of 2012, which notes that, all things being equal, 60 percent of those surveyed would consider the environmental impact of a device before making a purchase.

"AT&T's eco-ratings give consumers product information they want," said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility. "Consumers want the best and fastest devices while being able to make an empowered choice about environmental impacts of the device. Our eco-ratings accomplish just that."

The eco-rating system assesses 15 specific criteria drawn from five general categories of sustainability attributes - attributes include the usage of environmentally preferable materials, minimization of hazardous substances, energy efficiency, responsible end-of-life treatment and environmentally-responsible manufacturing. Device manufacturers submit an assessment of which of the 15 criteria the device meets. AT&T reviews this report and confirms the data reported. These criteria are then calculated into AT&T's five-star system, with five stars being the highest. The 15 specific criteria include, for example, the percentage of post-consumer plastic used in the device, restriction of compounds such as lead, cadmium, mercury, nickel and antimony trioxide/antimony compounds and product energy efficient features.

Further explanation of the eco-rating system and information about the application of ratings to individual devices can be found by scanning an on-label QR code, by visiting any AT&T store or at AT&T's consumer-focused sustainability site, EcoSpace.

The eco-rating system is just one example of AT&T's commitment to engaging customers around sustainability. In the past year the company:

Launched a consumer-friendly website portal for consumers called EcoSpace. The site offers consumers an easy one-stop-shop to learn more about AT&T's sustainability initiatives, shop for all of AT&T's eco-products, find eco-rating information for assessed devices, paperless billing sign up and recycling information;
Promoted free, secure and convenient paperless billing options through www.att.com/simplify;
Transitioned AT&T-branded accessory packaging to a new plastic that is comprised of up to 30 percent plant-based materials; and,
Unveiled a new device trade-in recycling program, helping consumers save their old phones from landfills while also having the choice to make a donation to charity or earn AT&T credit for future purchases at an AT&T store.
AT&T is committed to integrating sustainable business practices across its business and was recently added to Corporate Responsibility Magazine's 12th Annual 100 Best Corporate Citizens List. AT&T was also included in the 2011 Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (DJSI). Visit www.att.com/csr to learn more about sustainability at AT&T. Also visit www.att.com/csr to view AT&T's interactive 2011 Sustainability Report.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's largest 4G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world.

PANTECH EXPANDS QUICK MESSAGING PORTFOLIO WITH RENUE AT AT&T

Built With 67-percent Recyclable Components, Pantech Renue is Designed to Withstand Everyday Wear and Tear for Only $69.99

DALLAS AND ATLANTA – July 30, 2012 - Now available at AT&T* authorized national retailers and online at www.att.com, the Pantech Renue is a Quick Messaging Phone that delivers a durable and stylish mobile experience to anyone committed to being more sustainable through product purchases. With its physical keyboard and compact design, Renue has been optimized for messaging and updating your status. It is constructed from 67 percent recyclable components, while the packaging is made from 95 percent recycled paper and non-POV soy ink. Renue is currently available for $69.99** with a two-year service agreement and mail-in rebate.

As Pantech expands its line of Quick Messaging Phones, the Renue still boasts the popular features and unique qualities that have contributed to its continued leadership in this device category. The combination of a full sliding keyboard and 3.2" capacitive touch screen display allow for a faster and more convenient messaging experience. Powered by the Qualcomm Brew Mobile Platform, Renue provides customers advanced performance and the flexibility to customize the look and feel of the phone with their favorite apps. Additional key features include a 3-megapixel camera with video recorder, along with one-touch access to social media, messaging, music, pictures and games.


Additional features include:

· Eco-conscious: Renue has a sustainable exterior which is UL Environment certified and complies with RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) standards to reduce exposure to hazardous materials and harmful toxins including Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd), Hexavalent chromium (Cr6+), Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE). The preloaded Powersaver app and Energy Star 2.0 charger helps consumers optimize their battery performance, and use energy more efficiently. With Renue's eco calendar and alarms, users receive alerts for Earth Day, Arbor Day and other important events.

· Durability: Renue stands up to life's rigors throughout long trips, weekend getaways and taxing daily routines. With a MIL Spec 810 G design, Renue is resistant to sand, dust, high and low temperatures, humidity, vibration, and solar radiation, making it the ideal option for those seeking an affordable, practical and sturdy device for everyday mobile needs.

· Customization: Renue allows users to customize up to four home screens with their favorite photos, contacts, apps and bookmarks. It also features an eco-themed lock screen to provide swift access to the most-used apps. This slim and compact messaging phone delivers a personalized and convenient way to organize one's mobile life.

· Value: Whether AT&T customers are looking for a handset to further complement their sustainable lifestyle, or for a durable and reliable messaging phone, Renue is a perfect add-a-line phone for any member of the family. For only $69.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and 2-year agreement, Renue is a good value.

Price and Availability
The Pantech Renue is currently available for $69.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a two-year agreement. The handset can currently be purchased at AT&T authorized national retailers and online at www.att.com. Renue will be available in AT&T company-owned retail stores and authorized dealer locations on October 7.

Quotes
"This device comes to market just as our eco-ratings system is beginning to appear on packaging. Our goal is to empower consumers to make informed decisions about the technology they use by giving them information on how a device performs against targeted environmental criteria," said Jeff Howard, vice president – mobile device portfolio, AT&T Mobility.

"With Renue, we combined two company priorities: Pantech's ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and delivering AT&T customers a durable messaging phone complete with the features they use most," said Wyatt Whaley, vice president of product marketing at Pantech Wireless.

More information on AT&T's sustainability efforts and AT&T eco-rating system is available at: www.att.com/ecospace.