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U.S. Cellular Awards Lucent Technologies $150 Million Contract to Continue Upgrade of Wireless Network in Chicago

http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2004/May/1038162.htm

Murray Hill, N.J. and Chicago, May 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- U.S. Cellular has selected Lucent Technologies to provide equipment, software and professional services that will enable U.S. Cellular to continue offering its customers high-speed data services and improve the quality of its voice services on its CDMA2000(R) 1xRTT wireless network in the Chicago market. The multi-year agreement is valued at up to $150 million.

The Lucent-supplied infrastructure will help U.S. Cellular increase network capacity, as well as create a platform from which it can deliver a variety of high-speed mobile data services, such as Internet access, access to corporate Intranets and files, and instant messaging at speeds of up to 153 kilobits per second.
U.S. Cellular's network currently supports CDMA 1xRTT voice and data offerings. When the new equipment from Lucent is deployed, U.S. Cellular will have the opportunity and flexibility to offer next-generation mobile high-speed data and Voice over IP services, including 1xEV-DO capabilities. Lucent's base station equipment can be easily enhanced to support CDMA2000 1xEV-DO services.
"Our customers are looking for networks that provide fast and easy access to the same applications they use at home or in the office while away from their desk and out on the road," said Michael Irizzary, executive vice president and chief technology officer for U.S. Cellular. "As we work to transform our network to support next-generation services, Lucent's CDMA expertise will help us quickly offer these services, with quality, on a reliable network."
Lucent will upgrade existing Lucent base stations with CDMA2000 1X channel cards and software, as well as provide new Flexent(R) Modular Cell base stations. In addition to the infrastructure equipment, Lucent Worldwide Services will provide engineering, installation and other professional services to U.S. Cellular as it continues to deploy advanced technology across its wireless network.
"U.S. Cellular is a company keenly focused on providing its customers with the best wireless experience possible," said Steve Marino, vice president, Mobility Strategic Accounts for Lucent Technologies. "Lucent is excited to work with U.S. Cellular as it continues to build a network that will be the platform to offer a whole host of new, high-speed mobile data services."
In December 2002, Lucent and U.S. Cellular announced an agreement for equipment to support U.S. Cellular's conversion to CDMA 1xRTT technology. That upgrade began in October 2002 and is scheduled for completion in 2004.
About Lucent Technologies
Lucent Technologies designs and delivers the systems, services and software that drive next-generation communications networks. Backed by Bell Labs research and development, Lucent uses its strengths in mobility, optical, software, data and voice networking technologies, as well as services, to create new revenue-generating opportunities for its customers, while enabling them to quickly deploy and better manage their networks. Lucent's customer base includes communications service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide. For more information on Lucent Technologies, which has headquarters in Murray Hill, N.J., USA, visit http://www.lucent.com/.
About U.S. Cellular
U.S. Cellular Corporation , the nation's eighth largest wireless service carrier, provides wireless service to more than 4.5 million customers in 147 markets throughout 28 states. The 20-year-old, Chicago-based company operates on a customer satisfaction strategy, meeting customers' needs by providing a comprehensive range of wireless products and services, superior customer support, a high quality network and targeted community outreach activities. U.S. Cellular is listed and traded as USM on the American Stock Exchange.
CDMA2000 is a trademark of the Telecommunications Industry Association.
Lucent Technologies


CONTACT: Dina Fede of Lucent Technologies, [phone]