• by Laurie Sullivan  @lauriesullivan, August 14, 2008

AT&T has launched a public service initiative designed to benefit "mature adults." The company has begun hosting "Cell Phones for Seniors" and "Surfing for Seniors" events at senior centers throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts, with plans to expand to other states.

Following a stint in Massachusetts, the first sessions in Connecticut are scheduled for today at the North Haven Senior Center.

AT&T spokesman Adam Cormier hopes these classes send a message to senior consumers who might not have previously picked up a cell phone or accessed the Internet. "They need not be afraid," he says. "AT&T can help [them] get online to use some of the conveniences it offers."

The classes market the technology as a way to keep in touch with family and friends, and also for use in an emergency.

Don't bother looking for television or print ads. Nor will consumers hear radio advertisements promoting the classes. Rather, AT&T took a back-to-basics or grassroots marketing approach. Local employees hit the streets, stopping into nearby senior centers to gauge interest.

In "Surfing for Seniors," attendees learn to safely navigate the Internet by understanding the risks and necessary precautions. Topics include avoiding spam, scams, fraud and phishing schemes, protecting identity and how to use spyware.

In "Cell Phones for Seniors," AT&T volunteers teach basics such as controlling the phone volume, checking voice mail, and storing a number in the address book. Some will learn how to text-message and take and send photos.

Participants are encouraged to bring their mobile phones, regardless of the wireless carrier they use. AT&T will provide practice phones as needed.