Wal-Mart wireless service to include AT&T phones

NEW YORK

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. will expand its prepaid wireless service Straight Talk to include phones on AT&T's wireless network.

The discount store's Straight Talk service was previously available only on phones on Verizon Wireless' network.

Prepaid cell phone service has been growing in popularity as consumers shift away from two-year contracts toward prepaid services, which often cost less and do not require contracts.

The addition was first reported by Walter Piecyck, an analyst at BTIG Research, and the Wall Street Journal.

AT&T confirmed the expansion. Wal-Mart Stores could not immediately be reached.

The Straight Talk service is operated by TracFone Wireless Inc., a unit of Mexican telecom company America Movil.