Walmart is launching a new solution for the no-contract cell-phone world that may have competitors worried. Dubbed Straight Talk, Walmart’s wireless service will be offered through its 3,200-plus stores across the nation, starting Oct. 18. The program offers two prepaid plans at $30 and $45 a month. “It has been very encouraging to see the excitement and response to the Straight Talk pilot in 234 stores that began last summer at Walmart,” said Greg Hall, vice president of media devices for Wal-Mart Stores. “In light of the savings customers continue to need, we have worked very quickly to extend this offering to all of our Walmart customers nationwide, and just before the holidays.” All About Savings Walmart’s latest venture seems to be all about savings. The company points to Nielsen Mobile Bill Panel Data that reports the average U.S. adult spends $78 for 1,000 minutes of cellular minutes a month. That’s not even counting data packages. By switching

to the $30 Straight Talk plan, Walmart said, the average 1,000 minutes-per-month consumer could save more than $500 a year and still be on a reliable nationwide network. For $30 a month, the Straight Talk “All You Need” 30-day plan includes 1,000 minutes, 1,000 texts, and 30MB of mobile Web access. The $45 plan includes unlimited minutes, unlimited text, and unlimited mobile Web access. Both tiers of the Straight Talk service include nationwide coverage and 411 information calls at no additional charge. Despite its deal with Apple to sell the iPhone, Walmart’s new endeavor has it selling ultra-low-cost phones as part of the Straight Talk service, which was developed as an exclusive offering with TracFone Wireless. Consumers can buy a range of phones, from the entry-level LG 220 flip phone at $39.98 to the LG Slider 290 at $79.98 to the Samsung 451 QWERTY keyboard phone…

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Walmart Takes on Wireless Carriers with Low-Cost Plans