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Cingular Redefines Wireless Experience for Connecticut Customers

Posted on: Thursday, 30 October 2003, 06:00 CST

ROCKY HILL, Conn., Oct. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Cingular Wireless furthered its commitment to Connecticut customers today by announcing the completion of its next-generation GSM/GPRS network that provides the latest technology advances, including phones with greater functionality and unique features, high-speed data and stellar sound quality. Cingular has spent nearly $75 million over the past two years implementing an advanced voice and data network -- and has aggressive build-out plans for 2004 as well.

GSM is the Global Systems for Mobile Communications. With 880 million people in 179 countries using this technology, more than 70% of the world's total wireless market is GSM. And what GSM delivers for voice, GPRS technology delivers for data. GPRS, or General Packet Radio System, is an enhancement for GSM that transmits and receives data in packets. It provides consumers with "always-on" connectivity and greater bandwidth and connection speed -- all from a wireless phone.

"The GSM upgrade is part of our on-going commitment to provide the best technology, performance and service to our customers," said Chris Penrose, Director of Sales of Cingular's Connecticut operations. "Clearer, higher- quality calls, faster data speeds, and comprehensive coverage are essential in meeting consumers' wireless needs today. And that's what we are focused on delivering."

Cingular stores and agents now carry more than 20 new GSM phones in an assortment of colors, shapes and sizes to compliment Cingular's innovative plans and services that "Fit You Best." The GSM phones also incorporate everyday conveniences, such as built-in cameras, radios and MP-3 players. Additionally, all GSM phones contain SmartChip technology, which lets customers transfer personal profiles and calling information from phone to phone, so there's no need to reprogram phone lists when changing Cingular GSM phones. Simply take the card out of one Cingular phone and slide it into another Cingular GSM phone.

Cingular Continues to Enhance and Invest in its Network

Having just completed its aggressive upgrade to its extensive Connecticut network, Cingular is also unveiling phase two of its plan in the on-going efforts to deliver world-class wireless service to customers throughout the state. The anticipated phase two $30 million network build-out will bring enhanced service to Cingular's customers. Cingular has already invested nearly $75 million in the past two years, bringing the grand total investment to the Cingular Connecticut wireless network to approximately $105 million since 2002.

Cingular anticipates the addition of more than 90 new cell sites by the end of 2004. Nearly half of the new sites are projected to be operational by the end of the year with the expansion to continue through 2004. In addition, Cingular engineers drive more than 500,000 miles each year to monitor the quality of the network's performance - which is equivalent to almost 20 trips around the world.

"We have worked hard to serve Connecticut for the past 18 years, and we believe our customers chose Cingular because they have the highest expectation for our wireless service, and it's our commitment to make sure we deliver this, "said Penrose. "Now that we have completed our transition to the advanced GSM/GPRS network, we can focus our resources on improving our network to ensure our customers' continued satisfaction."

With our long history in Connecticut, Cingular customers also benefit from our relationship with our parent companies, SBC Communications, Inc. and BellSouth Corp. Coupled with our strength in wireless and our parents' strength in wireline, we offer our customers unparalleled service and unmatched commitment.

About Cingular Wireless

Cingular Wireless, a joint venture between SBC Communications and BellSouth , serves more than 24 million voice and data customers across the United States. A leader in mobile voice and data communications, Cingular is the only U.S. wireless carrier to offer Rollover(SM), the wireless plan that lets customers keep their unused monthly minutes. Cingular has launched the world's first commercial deployment of wireless services using Enhanced Data for Global Evolution (EDGE) technology. Cingular provides cellular/PCS service in 43 of the top 50 markets nationwide, and provides corporate e-mail and other advanced data services through its GPRS, EDGE and Mobitex packet data networks. Details of the company are available at http://www.cingular.com/ .

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