Aptly named ‘Find Friends,’ the service is available in 18 markets where the mobile carrier has upgraded its network to the GPRS standard.

The service is part of AT&T Wireless’ m-mode service, which offers access to an array of Web information, messaging and entertainment options.

Similar to the buddy list used for instant messaging on a desktop, each subscriber is required to seek permission from those individuals whom he would like to place on his Find Friend list.

With a few keystrokes on a wireless phone, a m-mode subscriber is given the approximate geographic location of his friend, such as a street intersection. The two friends can then exchange messages, call the other, or choose a place to meet from a directory of nearby restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and bookstores.

According to Andre Dahan, president of AT&T Wireless, customer privacy and control were key considerations in the development of the service.

"We have a comprehensive privacy policy, and our customers’ information, including their geographical location, is theirs to share with whom they want," Dahan said.

Furthermore, customers have complete control of Finder Friends at all times. They can take themselves off someone’s list, choose not to be locatable for a period of time, or turn off their phone.

The Finder Friends application is available with a subscription to AT&T Wireless’ m-mode service. Standard m-mode usage fees run from $2.99 per month plus two cents per kilobyte of data sent or received to $12.49 per month for up to 2 megabytes of use.