Cingular Wireless Completes Network Integration in Areas of Kentucky

Provides Customers with Increased GSM Coverage, Additional Integration to be Completed by Year End 


LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 27  /PRNewswire/ -- Cingular Wireless customers in East and West Kentucky now have more bars in more places thanks to the integration of the AT&T Wireless and Cingular Wireless networks in the areas of Somerset, London, Corbin, and Bowling Green.

The Kentucky integration projects are among the first to be completed in the country for Cingular Wireless. The integration of the AT&T Wireless and Cingular Wireless networks involves choosing the best cell sites from both, eliminating duplicate equipment, and then placing everything on a common network platform.

The outcome of the recent Kentucky integration projects is GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) coverage in areas where it was nonexistent or expanded and enhanced GSM coverage. GSM is the world standard for wireless communication, used by more than a billion people in 200-plus countries.

The areas benefiting from the East and West Kentucky network integration projects include:

   - Somerset - Several GSM cell sites were added, resulting in the
     introduction of GSM service to this area. Prior to network integration,
     AT&T Wireless customers in Somerset only had access to TDMA (Time
     Divison Multiple Access) service. Now they have the option of upgrading
     to GSM service and taking advantage of advanced phones, features and
     competitive pricing plans. Additionally, Cingular GSM roaming in
     Somerset is now available to Cingular customers in Corbin, Berea,
     Richmond, Lexington, and in other areas of East Kentucky.
   - London and Corbin - With the two networks combined in this area,
     Cingular customers are experiencing one seamless network that provides
     more coverage and better quality service in Rockcastle, Laurel and
     Whitley counties.
   - Bowling Green - With the addition of 40 percent more cell sites,
     network integration in the Bowling Green area means more capacity and
     more GSM coverage in Warren, Edmonson, Barren, and Simpson counties.



"We are pleased Kentucky is among the first markets nationwide to integrate our networks and provide for our customers a wireless experience that is the best in the industry," said Jim Thorpe, vice president and general manager for Cingular's Tennessee and Kentucky markets. "We look forward to the completion of more network integration projects in Kentucky before the end of this year."

The entire Kentucky network integration is slated to be completed by May 2006. Cingular Wireless plans to invest more than $67 million in its Kentucky network before year's end, integrating the Cingular and AT&T Wireless networks, increasing coverage and capacity, building 40 new cell sites, adding portable generators and back-up batteries, and offering enhanced new features. Cingular's local investment is part of a $6.2 billion commitment to enhance and expand its ALLOVER(SM) Network nationwide.

Year-to-date, Cingular has turned on 29 new cell sites in Kentucky/Southern Indiana and will add 11 more before the end of 2005.

Network enhancements planned for the rest of 2005 include improved coverage in:

   - Mayfield in West Kentucky;
   - Louisville and Shelbyville in Central Kentucky;
   - Carlisle and Stamping Ground in East Kentucky; and
   - Elkhorn City, Louden, Woolum, Corbin, and Baughman in East Kentucky.



Since its merger with AT&T Wireless last fall, Cingular has focused on high-quality coverage, reliability and reach. Cingular's ALLOVER(SM) Network now covers more than 270 million people and provides service throughout the U.S., including the top 100 markets.  By the end of 2006 when the networks have been integrated nationwide, Cingular customers will have access to some 45,000 cell sites.

About Cingular Wireless

Cingular Wireless is the largest wireless carrier in the United States, serving 51.6 million customers. Cingular, a joint venture between SBC Communications Inc. (NYSE:SBC) and BellSouth Corporation (NYSE:BLS), has the largest digital voice and data network in the nation -- the ALLOVER(SM) Network -- and the largest mobile-to-mobile community of any national wireless carrier. Cingular is the only U.S. wireless carrier to offer Rollover(R), the wireless plan that lets customers keep their unused monthly minutes. Details of the company are available at http://www.cingular.com/. Get Cingular Wireless press releases e-mailed to you automatically. Sign up at http://cingular.mediaroom.com/. 

DATASOURCE: Cingular Wireless



CONTACT:  Kelly Starling of Cingular Wireless, [phone], or

 



Web site:  http://www.cingular.com/

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