AT&T Wireless Services increases national coverage area

KIRKLAND, Wash. -- August 12, 1996 -- AT&T Wireless Services Inc. announced transactions with SBC Communications Inc. to expand AT&T Wireless' coverage area to include the Little Rock and Memphis 1900 MHz PCS MTA licenses.

The additions will enable AT&T Wireless to provide service to more than 207 million potential customers throughout 82 percent of the United States.

In addition to acquiring the Little Rock and Memphis PCS licenses representing approximately 5.8 million potential customers, AT&T Wireless will also gain control of SBC Communications' 35.7 percent interest in Pittsburgh's cellular market and will receive a cash payment.

"This allows us to continue to grow the largest wireless coverage area in the United States," said Steve Hooper, AT&T Wireless Services' president and CEO. "Wireless customers have always said that anytime, anywhere communications is essential, and we now have the capability to reach more than 82 percent of the country with wireless communications."

Under the terms of the agreement, in return, SBC Communications will acquire control of AT&T Wireless Services' Arkansas cellular properties and the 9.4 percent share of the Worcester, Mass., cellular system currently held by AT&T Wireless.

AT&T Wireless Services Inc. is the nation's largest provider of cellular service offering the latest technologies in wireless voice and data communications. The company has nearly six and one-half million wireless voice customers and licenses to cover over 82 percent of the United States. AT&T Wireless is also a premier messaging service provider and the world leader in aviation communications.