Cingular Adds 40 Cell Sites and plans more in Upstate New York

[jones]

Cingular Wireless Continues to Expand Upstate New York Network
Plans to Invest More Than $100 Million in 2005

BUFFALO, N.Y., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- The nation's largest wireless voice and data network is getting larger in upstate New York. Cingular Wireless plans to invest more than $100 million this year in its upstate New York network integrating the Cingular and AT&T Wireless networks; increasing coverage; building new sites; and offering enhanced new features. This local network investment is part of Cingular's estimated $6.2 billion national capital expenditure program this year.

"Better coverage is what wireless customers want, and better coverage is exactly what Cingular is delivering," said Robert P. Holliday, vice president and general manager of Cingular Wireless, New York State. "In 2005, we are continuing to make a huge investment in technology specifically targeted for the upstate New York region. We're delivering a network that is growing bigger and more powerful every day."

Cingular has already added more than 40 new cell sites in upstate New York in 2005.

In greater Buffalo, for example, new cell sites improve service in the North Collins, Lancaster, and West Seneca parts of Erie County. To the north, new sites enhance coverage in Pendleton, South Lockport, and in Tonawanda.

In the Rochester region, new cell sites improve regional coverage in Pittsford, Geneseo, Webster, Nunda, Naples, western Wayne county, and Mendon.

In central New York, new sites enhance service in Syracuse, Utica, Rome, Watertown, Ithaca, Deruyter, Harrisville, Volney, Tully, Brasher Falls, and Saint Lawrence City. Additional new sites improve coverage in Sennett, Ava, King Ferry, Venice, Oswegatchie, Rodman, Salisbury, Norfolk, Croghan, Moravia, Alexandria and Burdett.

In greater Albany, including the Hudson Valley region, new cell sites improve the customer experience in Glenmont, Johnstown, Amsterdam, Fonda, Niskayuna, Warrensberg and Kingsbury.

Since Cingular's merger with AT&T Wireless last year, the company has focused on "raising the bar" in terms of high-quality coverage, reliability and reach. With the integration of the two networks underway and slated to be completed in upstate New York before year's end, many customers are already reaping the benefits. Cingular technicians and other third-parties will drive test its national network nearly 30 million miles in the next year to improve wireless coverage and quality. That's the equivalent of more than 50 round trips to the moon to ensure customers receive the best possible wireless experience in the United States.