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CINGULAR MOVES TO THE EDGE
Consumers to reap benefits of fast, always-on wireless technology

ATLANTA, October 30, 2001 - Cingular Wireless today announced it will begin upgrading its network to third generation wireless data technology - with the introduction of EDGE, bringing consumers nationwide the benefits of faster speeds for accessing the wireless Internet and information anytime, anywhere.

The upgrade to EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution) will put in place wireless always-on packet data technology capable of transmitting data at up to peak rates of 384kbs - fast enough to support full-motion video.

"Cingular - already the national leader in packet data - is going a step further to transition our network to a worldwide 3G standard," said Stephen Carter, president and CEO of Cingular. "At the same time, we will be providing our customers with a single voice technology from coast-to-coast."

The move to EDGE will begin with the installation of GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) packet data and GSM (Global System for Mobile Telecommunications) voice technology over Cingular's TDMA and analog networks. GSM is the world's leading digital wireless technology. More than half a billion GSM phones are in use worldwide, accounting for more than 70 percent of the world's digital wireless market. The technology also allows customers with tri-band or "world" phones to use their phones seamlessly in more than 160 countries.

Ericsson, Nokia and Siemens have been selected to assist with the infrastructure build out. These three vendors have also been developing the GSM/TDMA dual-technology terminals for some time and have been selected to be Cingular's primary suppliers of these devices. They will also be among a larger group of suppliers of 850/1900 GSM handset suppliers.

Cingular already uses GSM technology in California, Washington, Nevada, South Carolina, North Carolina, Eastern Tennessee and Coastal Georgia.

"GSM is clearly the world's choice for wireless technology," said Carter. "Plus, having a common technology throughout the United States will allow us to provide additional capabilities and features for our customers."

EDGE will be installed in all markets throughout Cingular's coverage area. GPRS is already marketed in Seattle, Las Vegas, Eastern Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina as Cingular Wireless Internet Express. The EDGE network will also be "backwards compatible" meaning customers with GPRS devices can also use them in EDGE markets.

Cingular's decision to pursue EDGE as its third generation technology path is made possible by a number of factors and commitments, including:

Increased spectrum efficiency achieved through the GSM technology.
Availability of GSM network infrastructure that operates on 850 MHz and 1900 MHz spectrum.
Development of GAIT wireless phones, which will allow Cingular customers to seamlessly move between its TDMA to GSM networks.
Commitments from network infrastructure and terminal vendors to supply Cingular with EDGE infrastructure and devices.
Cingular will continue to provide TDMA service to its current TDMA customers. It is anticipated that demand for the new service will continue to gain momentum, with many upgrading from TDMA to GSM/EDGE devices over time.

"This conversion will be transparent to the large majority of our customers. Since many customers upgrade their handsets about every two years, we expect an extremely smooth transition," said Carter.

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 21.3 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.




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