Cingular Wireless Launches Service, GSM Technology, and 50 New Stores in Seattle and Spokane Markets

Advertising Campaign and Major Customer Service Initiative Celebrate Self-Expression; National Wireless Leader Unites 11 Brands With A Cingular Name

ATLANTA, GA. - March 7, 2001 - Cingular Wireless, one of the most extensive wireless companies in the United States, bursts onto the Seattle and Spokane scene today. Cingular is launching its brand locally in conjunction with a national branding campaign celebrating self-expression and a promise to provide unparalleled customer service. The company is also announcing its state-of-the-art network, based on all-digital GSM (global system for mobile communications) technology for all of its mobile phone users in Seattle and Spokane.

"Cingular is committed to providing a superior customer experience. The 'C' in Cingular is a promise that the customer is our number one focus. Our goal is to provide value and convenience at a new level never seen before in this area," said Cingular Vice President John Dwyer. "As part of this commitment, Cingular will have 50 stores operating in Seattle for customers' convenience and accessibility -- more than any other carrier in this market. With such vast distribution, customers will have numerous opportunities to learn more about Cingular in Seattle. At Cingular, everything we do supports and enhances the need for human expression. You'll see this is in how we operate - from our distribution, products, equipment, plans and services we offer."

Cingular is one of the most extensive wireless companies in the nation, with over 20 million customers in 39 states. Representing the largest consolidation of brands in the wireless industry, the Cingular name unites 11 brands brought together through the joint venture of SBC Communications and BellSouth announced October 5, 2000.

The company also announced its "Cingular Promise": to provide a new level of superior, individual customer service. The Promise means that customers can update their rate plans at anytime with no charges, and automatically receive promotional rates on new phones every two years. The current promotion for all customers includes the ability to get the compact and sleek Nokia 8290 series phone for only $99 or the Ericsson T28 for free with activation of a service plan.

Cingular is also announcing unique offers on calling plans and equipment. This includes its "Chat All You Want" promotion, which allows unlimited local wireless-to-wireless calls or text messages between Cingular customers in the same home service area. The promotion is available at no cost as part of a number of easy-to-understand, simplified rate plans.

Cingular customers will also benefit from a new, more powerful wireless company providing national reach, far greater coverage areas and the latest in wireless data and voice communications at very competitive prices.

The Cingular brand will replace GTE Wireless in the Seattle and Spokane markets. Cingular will be using GSM technology to replace the GTE Wireless digital network. Current GTE Wireless customers have been contacted with instructions to come into the nearest Cingular store in order to trade out their old GTE Wireless phones. Cingular will provide GTE Wireless customers with a new state-of-the-art GSM phone free of charge and a credit for a free month of access time on their bill when they sign up for Cingular Wireless service and their account balances are current. Active prepaid customers will be able to purchase a prepaid phone for $50 ($100 value) with a $50 airtime credit included.

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 over 20 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.