Cingular running EDGE already. Where's T-Mobile?

[Guest McHale]

World Markets Analysis

June 05, 2003

SECTION: IN BRIEF

LENGTH: 167 words

Cingular Poised to Launch EDGE Network

BYLINE: Julian Watson

BODY:

Cingular Wireless, the SBC (60%) and BellSouth (40%) joint venture, has announced in an interview with Reuters that following an initial trial in Indianapolis, it will launch a commercial EDGE network (enhanced data rates for GSM evolution) there within the next two months. Bill Clift, chief technology officer at the number three operator, said that Cingular has nearly finished its Indianapolis trial, which uses infrastructure software provided by Ericsson. Clift also said that the carrier is on track to reach its target of providing GSM coverage to 90% of markets by the end of 2003. Cingular Wireless saw net subscriber losses in Q4 2002 and Q1 2003, but is seeking to promote growth through introducing new data services and having its services sold to the local customers of its parents. Cingular will be the first US operator to launch a commercial EDGE network. AT&T Wireless, the nation's second largest operator as of Q1 2003, also plans to deploy a limited EDGE network in 2003.-