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Cingular Wireless Network Ranks Tops in Drive-Test Data Millions in Network Enhancement Initiatives pay off in Connecticut; Cingular affirms customer commitment to "best in class" wireless experience ROCKY HILL, Conn., June 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Cingular Wireless's network performance in Connecticut is more reliable than those of its competitors, according to a recent system performance report. The competitive research, commissioned by Cingular but conducted by an independent third party, measured state-wide comparative data about wireless network performance. Analysis of the data by Cingular Wireless shows that the company has the best wireless network in terms of overall quality in the Constitution State. Data is gathered for this report by literally traveling throughout the wireless network and making repeated test calls to measure the network's performance in the state. This data is then analyzed in comparison to results of similar drive-test data for other wireless carriers. The research allows Cingular to measure the number of dropped calls, blocked calls (calls that were not able to complete), audio quality of calls, call-processing speed (how quickly calls connect and start ringing on the other end) and also whether there is wireless coverage in the area. "Network quality is a major criteria for customers who are choosing a wireless provider," said Mark Collins vice president and general manager of Cingular Wireless New England, "Clearly Cingular's ongoing investment and our commitment to customers in the Connecticut market is paying off." Network Enhancements In Fall of 2003, Cingular Wireless completed the Connecticut build-out of its next-generation GSM/GPRS network that provides the latest technology advances, including "truest sound" audio and wireless phones with color screens, embedded cameras and rich downloadable content, such as games and ring tones. This year, further enhancements have been made to the network with the launch of EDGE in Connecticut, a high-speed wireless data service which gives customers true "third generation" (3G) wireless data services with data speeds typically three times faster than what was available on GPRS. These advances were part of a two-year, $75 million effort implementing an advanced GSM/EDGE voice and data network throughout Connecticut. GSM is the Global System for Mobile Communications, giving customers the latest technology advances, including phones with greater functionality and unique features, high-speed data connectivity and superior sound quality. With almost 1 billion people in 200-plus countries using this technology, more than 70% of the world's total wireless market is GSM. What GSM delivers for voice, EDGE technology delivers for data. Cingular Wireless was the first carrier in North America to launch EDGE in June 2003 and expects to complete nationwide deployment by the end of this summer. EDGE provides consumers with "always-on" connectivity, greater bandwidth and faster connection speed -- all from a wireless phone. In addition to upgraded technology and advanced services, Cingular Wireless is making a number of network enhancements to further improve call quality, create additional capacity and extend the network's reach in 2004. Several planned key initiatives are already underway, including a significant network expansion effort that will bring greater coverage and enhanced service to the region. Cingular expects to invest approximately $35 million in Connecticut by the end of this year. This includes adding approximately 23 new cell sites to the Connecticut network by the end of the summer and up to 47 new cell sites by the end of 2004, which is nearly twice the number of sites added last year. The sites offer enhanced service along central corridors, including I-95, Route 15, I-91 and I-84, as well as the areas around Route 2 and Route 44. In addition, customers will find enhanced in-building coverage at the two Connecticut casinos, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. These network enhancements will help Cingular achieve its goal of building an even stronger foundation for sustained growth and customer satisfaction in Connecticut. "Last year we successfully completed our transition to an advanced voice and data network. We could have stopped there, but we didn't. This year we are focusing our resources on increasing coverage, particularly in residential areas and in-building locations throughout the state," said Collins. "These additional improvements will enhance data services and add coverage to make a great network even better." About Cingular Wireless in New England: Cingular Wireless in New England includes the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and southern New Hampshire. In the spring of 2003, Cingular announced the New England launch of its next-generation network using Global System for Mobile (GSM) technology for voice, and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) for high-speed wireless data. Over the past two years, Cingular has invested $145 million -- or $1.4 million each week -- in building this advanced wireless network in New England. In spring 2004, the company announced commercial deployment of wireless services using Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) technology. More than 1 billion people in 200 countries use this technology, which delivers a superior network, the world's widest selection of devices, and faster downloads on games, instant messaging and picture messaging. About Cingular Wireless Cingular Wireless, a joint venture between SBC Communications (NYSE:SBC) and BellSouth (NYSE:BLS), serves more than 25 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 rates for GSM 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/ . NOTE TO EDITORS: STEP INSIDE THE CINGULAR WIRELESS NETWORK: Cingular network drive tests and network tours may be arranged for media upon request. DATASOURCE: Cingular Wireless CONTACT: Alexa Graf Kaufman of Cingular Wireless, cell, +1-301-742-0888, or Web site: http://www.cingular.com/

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