80 new cell sites Greater Detroit

[jones]

Cingular Wireless Investing $88 Million in its Greater Detroit Network in 2006


All PRNewswire News* New Cell Sites, Enhanced Voice/Data Quality and Capacity for ALLOVER(TM) Network


* 3G Launch in the greater Detroit area

* Completion of Integration of the Former AT&T Wireless Network

DETROIT, July 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Cingular Wireless, the nation's largest wireless carrier, is investing $88 million in its network in the Greater Detroit area in 2006, bringing customers even more wireless services, call quality and coverage on the road, at the office, and in their homes.

The 2006 investment in Cingular's Michigan network will bring over 80 new cell sites, high-speed data services, the addition of portable and permanent generators, the integration of over three hundred cell sites -- network assets of the former AT&T Wireless -- and other enhancements to Cingular's ALLOVER(TM) Network, which is the nation's largest all-digital voice and data network.

This investment builds upon Cingular's 2005 Michigan network investment of more than $60 million. Nationwide, the company spent $6.5 billion on its network in 2005 and plans to do the same in 2006, bringing its overall network investment since the company's 2004 acquisition of AT&T Wireless to more than $13 billion.

"Our ongoing focus is ensuring Cingular customers have the best wireless experience possible -- which includes unmatched coverage and quality of service," said Brian Ducharme, vice president & general manager, Cingular Wireless-Indiana and Michigan. "We are spending an average of $240,000 a day to enhance service in this area in an effort to bring residents of Detroit the highest quality Cingular service available ever -- service that is enhanced by best-in-industry calling plan value and cutting-edge devices."

Network enhancements planned for 2006 in Michigan include:

* Additional cell sites for the core areas of Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Kalamazoo, Michigan

* Improved service for Midland, MI and south of Jackson through Adrian, MI.

* 3G UMTS deployment across the Detroit metro area late summer 2006.

* Enhanced coverage in and around Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions.

* Improved coverage along the M-21 Highway, from Lowell to Fowler.

* New coverage for residents and visitors in southern Grand Rapids and Caledonia.

* Expanded coverage to Muskegon, Kalamazoo (home of Western Michigan University) and Battle Creek (Cereal City USA).

* Expanded coverage to the DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkston.