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Economy Continues to Benefit From Network and Retail Expansion DENVER, May 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Cingular Wireless, the nation's largest wireless carrier, will invest more than $73 million in its Colorado network in 2006 to extend coverage and enhance the quality of service for customers. The company expects to add more than 80 new cell sites and additional switching capacity as the network build intensifies this year to support increased voice and data usage. More than half of the new cell sites are expected to be on-air by the end of June. For the second year in a row, Cingular's growth is fueling the Colorado economy. The 2006 network build and the expected addition of more than a dozen exclusive retail locations is projected to support more than 120 jobs this year. In addition, Cingular service and products have been available at more than 70 Radio Shack locations in the state since the first of the year. "Cingular has a strong commitment to provide our customers the best network experience available, which is why we're adding more than 150 cell sites over a two year period," said Sue Knox, vice president and general manager, Cingular Wireless, Rocky Mountain Region. "We're investing in our customers while pouring millions into the state's economy." In 2005, Cingular spent more than $60 million in Colorado network improvements bringing its overall investment since the company's 2004 acquisition of AT&T Wireless to more than $133 million. By the end of 2006 this two-year investment will add up to more than 150 new cell sites bringing customers increased network coverage and capacity. Nationwide, the company spent $6.5 billion on its network in 2005 and plans to spend more than $6 billion in 2006. Off to fast start this year, 20 new cell sites are already on-air with 45 expected by the end of June. Overall, the 2006 investment in Cingular's Colorado network will bring more than 80 new cell sites, the addition of new switches, portable and permanent generators, and other enhancements to the nation's largest all-digital voice and data network. - In Denver, 24 new sites will add capacity and coverage - In Southern Colorado, 20 new cell sites are being added in Colorado Springs and Pueblo - 10 new sites will increase coverage for Highlands Ranch, Parker and Castle Rock - In Lakewood, Thornton, Arvada, 8 new sites are being added - In Boulder County 10 new sites will bring improved network quality to the area - Fort Collins will gain 5 new cell sites increasing network coverage in suburban areas - On I-70 from Grande Junction to Vail, 4 more sites are being added Network Testing Cingular diligently monitors the quality and coverage of its network. Across the nation technicians, and other third-parties, will drive test nearly 30 million miles of the network during the year to improve coverage and quality. That's the equivalent of more than 50 round trips to the moon to ensure customers receive the best possible wireless experience in the United States. Enhancing the Customer Experience Cingular leads the industry in educating customers about their new service at the point of sale. New customers who sign up for service at a store or kiosk receive a Cingular Service Summary with a synopsis of their calling plan and its features along with an estimated first bill. Customers who sign up over the phone or the Internet will receive a Welcome Kit Brochure through the mail. Additionally, the company offers an interactive mapping tool at all retail locations and by calling 1-866-CINGULAR. The tool provides customers with up- to-date wireless coverage information and is designed to answer specific coverage questions based on an address, street intersection, zip code or even a landmark. For more information about Cingular, call 1-866-CINGULAR or visit http://www.cingular.com/. About Cingular Wireless Cingular Wireless is the largest wireless carrier in the United States, serving 55.8 million customers. Cingular, a joint venture between AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) and BellSouth Corporation (NYSE:BLS), has the largest digital voice and data network in the nation -- the ALLOVER(TM) network -- and the largest mobile-to-mobile community of any national wireless carrier. Cingular is a leader in third generation wireless technology. Its 3G network is the first widely available service in the world to use HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) technology. 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 emailed to you automatically. Sign up at http://cingular.mediaroom.com/. DATASOURCE: Cingular Wireless CONTACT: Anne Marshall of Cingular Wireless, +1-206-331-1498, or Web site: http://www.cingular.com/ http://cingular.mediaroom.com/

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