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Cingular Wireless Announces Completion of Nationwide GSM Network Conversion in Florida; Wireless Broadband Efforts to Come Next Cingular President and CEO Cites Leadership of Florida Governor in Creating Strong Pro-Business Environment in the State ORLANDO, Fla., July 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Cingular Wireless today announced that with the recently launched GSM technology in the Florida Panhandle, the company marks an important milestone as it completes its nationwide conversion to an advanced network. Cingular has invested $3.4 billion nationally to deploy advanced voice and data technology resulting in industry-leading applications such as multi-media messaging (MMS), AOL instant messaging, downloadable music, high-speed data connectivity, wireless email and superior sound quality. Floridians now have access to the most advanced wireless services available today. Since 2002, Cingular has invested $400 million -- about $3.2 million a week -- in Florida to convert to the world-standard GSM technology and add thousands of miles of coverage. "Consumers have become more and more dependent on wireless communications," said Stan Sigman, Cingular Wireless president and CEO. "Higher-quality calls, faster data speeds and broader coverage are essential in meeting consumers' wireless needs today -- and that's what Cingular is delivering," he said. Not only does GSM provide the truest voice quality in wireless, but Cingular has added advanced layers of data technology called GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) and EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution) that provide customers with faster data speeds. Customers can now download ringtones, send photos and access the Internet all from their wireless device. Both GPRS and EDGE are deployed throughout the state. Florida will continue to play a central role in Cingular's ongoing network investments and expansions, Sigman said. Florida Governor Jeb Bush recognized Cingular for its efforts to give Floridians access to the world-standard of wireless communications, in a meeting with Sigman. "Cingular's ongoing investment in its network will continue to reap benefits for consumers in Florida and across the country, both in terms of better and more advanced wireless services and positive economic impact," said Governor Jeb Bush. "We look forward to continuing our work with all wireless carriers in the state to ensure that Floridians have access to the most advanced wireless voice and data services available." Sigman said that Governor Bush has played a significant role in improving the wireless landscape for Florida residents. "Governor Bush has made Florida a national leader in wireless investment and innovation," said Sigman. "From the signing of zoning legislation that improves wireless coverage and brings life-saving communications to more Floridians, to the creation of a statewide technology office that delivers advanced wireless technology to state, county and local government agencies, his public policy decisions are yielding major benefits for consumers and businesses alike." Customers in Florida and elsewhere can look forward to even faster data speeds. Sigman also announced today the rollout of Third-Generation (3G) data services -- called Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) -- beginning in some major Florida cities in 2006 and eventually other areas in the state. UMTS will offer wireless Internet at broadband speeds for businesses and consumers in Florida with data transfer rates up to 384 Kbps. Cingular is also planning to deploy an enhanced version of UMTS called High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), which will further increase network capacity and offer speeds with peak data rates up to 14.4Mbps. To commemorate the Florida network accomplishment, Cingular today announced a $10,000 contribution to help fund Florida Virtual School (FLVS), an innovative on-line learning initiative. FLVS is an established leader in developing and providing virtual K-12 education solutions in Florida, as well as other states and countries. Last school year, FLVS served more than 13,000 students who took courses on a variety of subjects via the Internet. Cingular's support of FLVS is another example of the company's commitment to advanced technology deployment in Florida and in enhancing educational opportunities for students. 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/ . DATASOURCE: Cingular Wireless CONTACT: Dawn Benton +1-404-236-5305, or wireless, +1-404-202-6335, or , or Clay Owen, +1-404-236-6153, or wireless, +1-404-971-1918, or , both of Cingular Wireless Web site: http://www.cingular.com/

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