Cingular to Deliver 3G Wireless Broadband Services

Completion of Merger Provides Spectrum to Facilitate Widespread Growth of 3G
Services Nationwide; Consumers to Enjoy More Choices for Broadband Access;
Network Improvements and Integration Under Way

Ericsson, Lucent Technologies and Siemens selected to deploy UMTS/HSDPA
network throughout areas of the United States

ATLANTA, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Cingular Wireless, the nation's largest
wireless provider, today announced plans to begin deploying the nation's
fastest high-speed mobile wireless data network based on international
standards. The third generation network will offer average data speeds between
400-700 kilobits per second (Kbps), and bursts to several megabits per second
on capable devices.
Cingular, a joint venture of SBC Communications Inc. (NYSE: SBC) and
BellSouth Corp. (NYSE: BLS), will be building 3G UMTS (Universal Mobile
Telecommunications System) with HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access)
networks in a number of major urban and suburban markets beginning in 2005.
Cingular's recent acquisition of AT&T Wireless provided the company with
the spectrum necessary to build the 3G networks. Cingular, which pioneered the
development of GSM at both 850 and 1900 MHz, intends to make the high-speed
network available to not only its regional and rural roaming partners but also
enable regional and rural carriers to deploy UMTS services on their networks
as well.
Cingular signed agreements with Ericsson (Nasdaq: ERICY), Lucent
Technologies (NYSE: LU) and Siemens (NYSE: SI) to develop and deliver the
infrastructure required for a broad-scale deployment of an expanded 3G
UMTS/HSDPA network. Additionally, several manufacturers have committed to
supplying handsets and other devices for use on the UMTS network. Cingular
said it expects to offer 3G services in most major markets by the end of 2006.
"Today's announcement marks a significant milestone in our commitment to
speed the deployment of third-generation wireless services across the nation,"
said Kris Rinne, chief technical officer, Cingular Wireless. "The selection
of these vendors will bring tremendous intellectual capital to the team as we
work to achieve our common goal to bring the next generation of mobile
multimedia services to consumers and businesses."
The UMTS/HSDPA service will enable enhanced services, including broadband-
capable high-speed Internet access, wirelessly enabled enterprise productivity
tools and audio/video streaming for business customers, along with a host of
consumer services such as high-resolution digital image and video capture and
playback and advanced multi-player gaming.
Additionally, UMTS/HSDPA offers customers the ability to have simultaneous
voice and data sessions, so a customer can use a handset to make a call at the
same time they're checking e-mail or browsing the Internet at high speeds.
This is a key differentiator between UMTS/HSDPA and other wireless
technologies that only offer data services.
Ericsson, Lucent and Siemens will provide the equipment necessary to give
customers access to some of the fastest wireless data connections available.
Cingular also signed an agreement with Nokia (NYSE: NOK) to enhance its
existing GSM/GPRS/EDGE network and possibly support the deployment of its 3G
UMTS network. Financial terms of the contracts were not disclosed. In
addition, Cingular's strategic handset providers -- Nokia, Motorola and LG --
have committed to delivery of competitive UMTS devices in the fourth quarter
of 2005 with attractive form factors and feature functionality that takes
advantage of the increased data speeds.
With the completion of its merger with AT&T Wireless, Cingular now
operates the nation's largest digital voice and data network with nationwide
coverage. The new company's enhanced spectrum position and combined network
assets pave the way for the rollout of UMTS/HSDPA and give Cingular customers
a more expansive portfolio of wireless data solutions.
Currently, Cingular customers can use EDGE, the fastest nationwide
wireless data network, to receive average data connection speeds up to
135 kilobits per second depending on the device used. EDGE is available to
over 260 million people in more than 8,500 cities and towns, and in areas
along 30,000 miles of interstate highways. In the near future, UMTS devices
will be backward compatible with EDGE.
Earlier this year, AT&T Wireless launched the country's first commercial
UMTS wireless networks in Dallas, Detroit, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco
and Seattle. Cingular will continue to offer UMTS services in those six
markets.
"The investments we're making today will pay big dividends for our company
and our customers as wireless becomes more integral to our everyday lives,"
said Rinne. "These companies have the expertise to put a network in place
that will turn the promise of 3G into reality."
Rinne added that Cingular already gives its customers access to some of
the most advanced wireless voice and data services in the world on the largest
digital voice and data network -- the Cingular ALLOVER(SM) network. Cingular's
ALLOVER(SM) network covers 268 million people and is growing. Coverage is not
available in all areas.

Network Planning and Integration Under Way
Cingular today also said it has started integration planning of the
combined company's networks.
More immediately, customers will experience a number of benefits from the
network integration, as the coverage and quality of their wireless services
are enhanced. Further improvements will steadily continue over the next
several months. The company said customers using its ALLOVER(SM) network
should expect fewer blocked calls and better in-building penetration.
"Network improvement is the cornerstone of our merger with AT&T Wireless,"
continued Rinne. "If the network gives customers a great experience, every
other function of the business feels the positive effects. The combination of
the two companies' network assets positions Cingular to set a new standard for
network excellence and raise the bar for wireless. We're ready to put our
extensive voice and data experience to work to deliver the quality wireless
experience our customers deserve."

ABOUT CINGULAR WIRELESS
Cingular Wireless is the largest wireless carrier in the United States,
serving more than 46 million customers. Cingular, a joint venture between SBC
Communications (NYSE: SBC) and BellSouth (NYSE: BLS), has the largest digital
voice and data network in the nation. Cingular is the only U.S. wireless
carrier to offer Rollover(SM), 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://www.cingular.com/newsroom .

SOURCE Cingular Wireless