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AT&T Wireless Unveils World's Largest Wireless Phone With Free Calls Around the Globe

Posted on: Thursday, 20 May 2004, 06:00 CDT

Hundreds of people gathered at Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade today to catch a glimpse of the world's largest wireless phone and to connect with family and friends utilizing the recently expanded and improved AT&T Wireless GSM(TM) network. For every call that was made during the four-hour event, AT&T Wireless donated $5 to Operation Homefront, the non-profit group that assists military families left behind while their spouses are deployed.

Standing 27 feet tall, 10 feet across and weighing more than two tons, the giant steel and foam structure was hoisted into place with a crane and towered over locals and tourists alike as they were welcomed into a relaxing wireless lounge where they made free five-minute phone calls to people all over the United States and overseas.

"Everyone's always on the look-out for a smaller wireless phone, but we decided to build the largest wireless phone to illustrate how we've more than doubled our GSM coverage area to extend a vast 1.2 million square miles in the U.S.," said David Haight, AT&T Wireless's vice president of sales in Los Angeles. "Our customers can now enjoy enhanced coverage and better connections in areas such as Hollywood Hills, Manhattan Beach, Pasadena and Beverly Hills."

The event was also held to help benefit Operation Homefront. The local organization provides assistance with day-to-day issues for military families so that deployed service members are less preoccupied while serving abroad.

"We are grateful for AT&T Wireless's support," said Ernie Leidiger, Operation Homefront's National Executive Director. "Their generous donation will help to meet the growing needs of many Southern California military families coping with the war in Iraq and beyond.

"The Los Angeles and San Diego Chapters of Operation Homefront work together to provide assistance to families in Southern California, home to nearly 20% of the total US Military Forces deployed around the world."

"AT&T Wireless is deeply honored to help the families of our men and women serving overseas," said Haight.

Last month AT&T Wireless introduced its best network ever, GSM America, with double the coverage and improved signal strength for better voice quality and receptions. Aside from the great rates, the new national plans provide free unlimited mobile-to-mobile calling and no roaming or domestic long distance charges across the country. Plus, AT&T Wireless is the only carrier to offer a 30-day risk-free trial so customers can return the phone and only pay for usage if they are not satisfied with the improved network and new calling plans.

About AT&T Wireless

AT&T Wireless (NYSE:AWE) is the second-largest wireless carrier, based on revenues, in the United States. With 21.692 million subscribers as of March 31, 2004, and revenues of more than $16.8 billion over the past four quarters, AT&T Wireless delivers advanced high-quality mobile wireless communications services, voice and data, to businesses and consumers, in the U.S. and internationally.

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