AT&T Will Power Plastic Logic's Kindle Rival

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Plastic Logic Reader

Plastic Logic's upcoming electronic-book reader will have mobile data connectivity from AT&T, which will enable it to match the Kindle's ability to buy and download e-books on the go.

The Plastic Logic Reader, which is expected to be released in 2010, is a mobile e-book reader that uses E Ink technology to display novels, newspapers, periodicals, and documents. While the company said it is primarily aiming the device at mobile professionals who need to read PDF, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel documents, it will inevitably be competing with Amazon's popular Kindle lineup.

The e-reader will be able to use AT&T's 3G network to browse, buy, and download new material while on the go. While Amazon is essentially the sole provider of content for the Kindle, Plastic Logic's device will be able to access Barnes & Noble's e-book store, as well as public domain books online provided by Google. The Reader will also come with integrated Wi-Fi.

"There is tremendous market potential for electronic reading devices, and we look forward to powering this revolutionary device with the nation's fastest 3G network," said Glenn Lurie, AT&T's president of emerging device, in a statement.

For AT&T, the device represents a new way to use its data networks to generate revenues as traditional voice revenues decline. Sprint Nextel already provides the Kindle's connectivity though a service that's branded Whispernet, and Verizon Wireless is reportedly mulling providing mobile data for an e-book reader as well. Additionally, the carriers are making a big push toward providing subsidized netbooks to customers who sign up for a two-year mobile data plans.

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