Cingular and Microsoft Deliver New Windows Mobile-Based Devices

Nation's Largest Wireless Carrier Expands Choice, Functionality for Subscribers

LAS VEGAS, Jan.5, 2005 — Cingular Wireless and Microsoft Corp. today announced that they plan to make the powerful experience familiar on desktops available to users through more Windows Mobile (TM) -based devices in 2005.

As leaders in their respective industries, the companies intend to collaborate with a host of device manufacturers to make available the familiar and powerful Windows Mobile software platform using the country's largest wireless digital voice and data network. Currently, Cingular Wireless offers customers more Smartphone choices in the United States than any other wireless carrier.

"Our No. 1 goal is to maximize the wireless experience for our customers. We must provide customers with the best quality and coverage and most comprehensive mobility solutions in the country," said Jeff Bradley, vice president of business marketing for Cingular Wireless. "By delivering devices that combine the breadth and quality of our ALLOVER network with Windows Mobile software, we can offer customers a great everyday mobility experience."

"Together, Cingular Wireless and Microsoft are working to revolutionize the way people communicate with mobile devices and set a new standard for personal connectivity," said Suzan DelBene, corporate vice president of marketing for the Mobile and Embedded Devices Division at Microsoft. "We will continue to create innovative software for devices that offer customers a truly revolutionary mobile experience."

According to a recent report from high-tech market research firm In-Stat/MDR, shipments of Smartphones are expected to rise by almost 45 percent over the next five years. The firm expects that Smartphones will account for some 117 million out of 833 million handsets shipped globally by 2009.

"The planets are lining up for a rather robust Smartphone market over the next couple of years, with smaller devices entering the market, midtier pricing on some models, and faster data networks coming online," said Neil Strother, senior analyst with In-Stat. "Not only is demand strong from business users, especially for mobile e-mail and Internet access, some consumers are starting to make the move to these 'smarter' devices as well."

The portfolio of Windows Mobile-based Smartphones available to Cingular Wireless customers includes the Motorola MPx220 and Audiovox SMT5600. Cingular also offers several PDAS running Windows Mobile software, including the Siemens SX66.

Cingular Wireless' Windows Mobile-based product portfolio offers a comprehensive, familiar platform for communications and strong multimedia and gaming functionality. The new products also allow customers to be more productive by managing their personal information, e-mail, calendar and contacts with Microsoft® Outlook® via either a PC connection or seamless over-the-air synchronization with Exchange Server 2003.*

Cingular Wireless currently offers the following devices that rely on Windows Mobile software:

• The Motorola MPx220 is a quad-band "world phone" (850/900/1,800/1,900 MHz) that gives customers the ability to access Microsoft Outlook applications such as e-mail, contacts and calendar information, and comes equipped with many enhanced features such as integrated Bluetooth® , an integrated 1.2-megapixel camera, a mini SD card slot capable of adding a 512MB memory card, and Windows Media® Player.
• The Siemens SX66 delivers voice, an integrated QWERTY keyboard and Wi-Fi capabilities. The SX66 combines a quad-band GSM world phone and wireless PDA in a portable office workhorse that mobile professionals can use to browse the Internet, check e-mail with Cingular Wireless' Xpress Mail, and access corporate networks via a virtual private network (VPN).
• The Audiovox SMT5600 is the world's smallest Smartphone and offers comprehensive data, voice and multimedia features all in one compact yet stylish handset. Equipped with Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition software for Smartphones, it is the first Smartphone with Microsoft Windows Media Player 10 Mobile. It also features Microsoft Outlook, removable storage onto a mini SD card slot, and connectivity through Bluetooth and IrDA.

More information on Smartphones, other devices, and a variety of voice and data calling plans can be found online at http://www.cingular.com or at any Cingular Wireless retail distribution outlet.

About Cingular Wireless

Cingular Wireless is the largest wireless carrier in the United States, serving more than 46 million customers. Cingular, a joint venture between SBC Communications (NYSE "SBC") and BellSouth (NYSE "BLS"), has the largest digital voice and data network in the nation. Cingular is the only U.S. wireless carrier to offer RolloverSM, the wireless plan that lets customers keep their unused monthly minutes. Details of the company are available at http://www.cingular.com . To get Cingular Wireless press releases e-mailed to you automatically, sign up at http://www.cingular.com/newsroom .

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

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