Cingular Wireless First to Usher in Next Generation of Wireless Internet

March 20 - Today at CTIA Wireless 2001, Cingular Wireless announced "Cingular Wireless Internet Express," the first operational standards-based General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) in the United States, and Cingular's first phase deployment of "3G," or "third generation" wireless technology. Cingular Wireless Internet Express is an enhancement to Cingular's existing GSM network that introduces packet data transmission, enabling "always on" mobility. This means that users can have virtual instant access to e-mail, Internet, games and other services.
The service will be available in California, Nevada and Washington in the second quarter of this year. Cingular's other GSM markets -- North Carolina, South Carolina, Eastern Tennessee and coastal Georgia -- will have the service later in the year.

Cingular Wireless Internet Express allows for quicker, always-on connections to the Internet through Cingular's portal "My Wireless Window" (www.mywirelesswindow.com) and the ability to take voice calls during an Internet connection. Interactive messaging features -- email, mobile-to-mobile text messaging, information alerts and numeric messaging -- are also available with the service.

"The demand for wireless Internet service is growing rapidly," said Steve Krom, Vice President of Data and Internet Services. "With this always-on 'Cingular Wireless Internet Express' service, customers can get the information they need without the wait. Cingular is proud to be the first in the U.S. to provide this cutting-edge service."

Benefits of Cingular Wireless Internet Express
Freedom -- Unlimited connection to the Internet from a GPRS/WAP (wireless application protocol) -enabled phone. Access time will not count against wireless rate plan minutes so customers are free to spend as much time on the Internet as needed, paying only for their usage (per data bit sent and received).

Faster -- Speedier Internet connections save time and get customers online and browsing quickly.

Flexibility -- Take or make a voice call while connected to the Internet. No need to end an Internet session in the middle of getting information to take an incoming call. Customers just click over to the call and then back to their Internet session -- right where they left it!

Specific handsets and pricing will be announced with the turn-up of the service.

My Wireless Window
Customers with Cingular Wireless Internet Express will enjoy the additional advantages of Cingular's My Wireless Window, a wireless portal accessible from a mobile phone or personal computer that includes calendar, shopping, e-mail, address book and instant messaging. Launched last summer, the service will be turned up in 99 percent of Cingular's markets by April 2. With My Wireless Window, customers can:

• Shop online safely through the phone or desktop PC using their stored credit card information
• Send instant messages to other wireless devices in real time
• Play a variety of games -- from trivia to blackjack
• Check movie times and availability at their local theater
• Check flight status and information
• Send and receive emails with their own "@mycingular.com" email address or using an existing email address that is compatible
• View your other web-accessible email mail accounts via the mycingular.com email address
• Create a calendar and address book to access "on the go," and even synch with your Outlook address book
• Receive automatic alerts with the latest information on stocks, sports, weather, news, lottery, horoscopes and more
• Get directions on their phone while on the road
• Access Yellow Pages and White Pages information on their phone including local or national entertainment
• Personalize the information they receive on their phones
• Use a desktop portal to help manage and personalize their information
• Receive promotions and discounts on their phones from national retailers, E-tailers and local merchants

ABOUT CINGULAR WIRELESS
Cingular Wireless is the second largest wireless carrier in the U.S., and is dedicated to self-expression and customer-friendly service. As a leader in mobile voice and data communications, Cingular, a joint venture between SBC Communications and BellSouth, currently serves more than 20 million customers nationwide. Cingular offers customers advanced technologies in simple, cost-effective ways that permit them to tap the creative potential of wireless through their own self-expression. Details of the company are available at www.cingular.com .

SOURCE Cingular Wireless
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