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Verizon Wireless isn't trumpeting its phone-based Internet service yet, but as enterprising customers have discovered in the past couple of weeks, the nifty addition is finally up and running.
The service-which allows customers to send and receive e-mail, get stock alerts, and yes, even surf the Web using their phones (it's difficult, but doable)-is going through what Verizon officials call a "soft launch." In other words, the company won't start advertising the service until next month to give its staff time to work any kinks out.
Verizon, formerly known as AirTouch Communications in much of the West, is one of the last cellular companies to dive into wireless Internet service for Southern California and has delayed its launch at least twice while undergoing its merger and transformation into Verizon, which is a joint venture of Bell Atlantic Corp. and Vodafone AirTouch PLC. The company's Southwest headquarters is in Irvine.
The service will cost $6.95 per month, in additon to phone airtime.
Verizon Wireless has set up a personalized Web page (for now,...