Cingular Completes 350 cell sites in Texas

[jones]

Cingular Makes Major Commitment in Lone Star State
Wednesday January 18, 11:15 am ET
2005 a Banner Year in Texas, as Nation's Largest Wireless Carrier--
* Invests More than $ 500 Million in Enhancing Network
* Upgrades to HSDPA, Fastest Digital Data Network in the U.S.


DALLAS and SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Jan. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Cingular Wireless has announced that it invested about half a billion million dollars in its network in the Lone Star State during 2005, adding coverage and capacity via new cell sites, purchasing portable generators and back-up batteries, and by rolling out new data features. This local investment is part of Cingular's estimated $6.2 billion national network capital expenditure program during 2005.
Cingular operates two markets in Texas -- the North Texas Market headquartered in Dallas, which invested $255 million, and the South Texas Market headquartered in San Antonio, which invested $245 million.

As a result, Cingular's ALLOVER network* -- the largest digital voice and data network -- has grown bigger, better and more powerful in Texas.

* The ALLOVER network covers more than 270 million people. Coverage not available in all areas.

In 2006, Cingular will upgrade its network to add even more data speed and capabilities using High-Speed Data Packet Access (HSDPA) technology. Cingular's new third-generation (3G) network is the first widely available service in the world to use HSDPA. The company offers 3G services today in Dallas, parts of Fort Worth, Austin and Houston, and will expand its footprint in those areas as well as initiate service in other Texas markets throughout the year. San Antonio is one location that will receive 3G service in 2006.

Cingular is also rapidly moving ahead with efforts to successfully integrate the network of the former AT&T Wireless, which was acquired by Cingular in late 2004. The integration means better coverage, fewer dropped calls and increased call clarity for Cingular customers in Texas.

"Cingular's commitment to our customers in Texas is to meet -- and exceed -- their needs by continually upgrading and expanding our network and by offering innovative products, services, customer-friendly initiatives and community support second to none," said Adam Vital, vice president and general manager of Cingular's North Texas region, and Andy Shibley, who heads the company's South Texas operations. "We are pleased with the progress we've made this year and look forward to 'Raising the Bar' for our customers even more in 2006."

Among other 2005 highlights for Cingular customers in Texas were:

Cell Sites

Earlier this year, Cingular announced plans to add more than 350 cell sites in Texas. The cell site expansion effort has been successfully completed, enabling the company to add new service or enhance existing service throughout the state. Cell site additions have touched all corners of Texas, and include the following locations*:


Austin - 17
Abilene - 11
Amarillo - 5
Beaumont - 25
Dallas/Fort Worth - 65
El Paso - 22
Houston - 58
Lubbock - 5
Midland/Odessa - 5
Rio Grande Valley - 8
San Antonio - 61
Temple/Killeen - 15
Tyler/Longview - 26
Wichita Falls - 5

*Some locations reflect cell sites installed in smaller areas outside the
actual city listed.

[walkguru]

boy cingular is sure spending a lot of money.

[Etorres777]

They should have spent more in El Paso. The coverage is alright.