February 8, 2001 – Wells Fargo & Co unveiled Wells Wireless, a nationwide banking service that allows customers to access online accounts through Web-ready Sprint PCS phones and Palm VII devices.

According to Forrester Research, almost 50 percent of the U.S. population owns a cell phone and, according to Meridian, by 2003 there will be close to 8 million users of wireless financial services. Through Wells Wireless, Wells Fargo is banking on being one of the first U.S. banks to tap into this mobile market, say industry experts.

A free, secure and personalized service for Wells Fargo customers, Wells Wireless provides mobile bankers with access to account balances and account history and the ability to transfer money between accounts, said Avid Modjtabai, senior vice president of Wells Fargo consumer Internet services. "We are providing customers anytime, anywhere account access and continuing to demonstrate leadership and innovation by offering a service that is convenient and secure," he added.

Customers can also obtain stock quotes as well as track securities using the watchlists and stock alerts capabilities. Additional functionality, including a Wells Fargo ATM and store locator, bill pay and brokerage services, are planned for future phases, said Modjtabai.

Helping power the new mobile service: 724 Solutions, a global provider of a suite of products and services that allow companies to build, deploy and integrate personalized and secure mobile commerce and lifestyle applications. 724 Solutions technology, said the bank, enabled it to set up a personalized channel for its 2.5 million online banking customers.

For details, about Wells Fargo mobile banking, visit Wells Wireless. More information on 724 technology: 724 Solutions.