re: Cingular PR
Cingular Wireless will spend between $2.6 and $2.8 billion overlaying EDGE technology on its network in the next two and a half years. The move to EDGE will begin with the installation of GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) packet data and GSM (Global System for Mobile Telecommunications) voice technology.
The overlay is part of a projected $5.4 to $5.8 billion in capital expenditure for 2002, which includes capital expenditures with equity affiliates.
>> Cingular Wireless Networks Receive High Ratings For Overall Wireless Network Performance
December 18, 2001
Cingular
PR Newswire
Cingular Wireless today announced that its wireless networks earned the highest rating available ("5 stars") for overall wireless network performance in four of its five largest markets. Additionally, eight of Cingular's top ten markets obtained either four or five star ratings, as reported by independent research and advisory firm Telephia.*
* Telephia's Quality Index Score for Cingular's top ten markets are from results based on field tests of more than 35,000 calls placed throughout 2001. The methodologies Telephia uses for determining star ratings are available upon request. Performance results may vary over time. - Source: Telephia, Inc.
The ratings, based on a composite score including quality of coverage, dropped call and blocked call performance, were derived from tests conducted in 2001. Cingular's top eight cities receiving either four or five star ratings in Cingular's coverage area include Boston, Chicago, Detroit-Ann Arbor, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. Telephia provides data and intelligence to wireless carriers and other wireless businesses on voice and data network performance, market share, churn, media spending, pricing and customer perceptions.
As its new customer base continues to grow and existing customers rely more and more heavily on wireless devices, Cingular Wireless will spend between $2.6 and $2.8 billion overlaying EDGE technology on its network in the next two and a half years. The move to EDGE will begin with the installation of GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) packet data and GSM (Global System for Mobile Telecommunications) voice technology. The overlay is part of a projected $5.4 to $5.8 billion in capital expenditure for 2002, which includes capital expenditures with equity affiliates.
With a state-of-the-art network, Cingular provides a 100 percent digital footprint nationwide, with 95 percent of its airtime minutes being digital through the second quarter.
"Cingular's investment strategy in its networks bears witness to the depth and extent of Cingular's commitment to deliver the highest call quality and service to its 21.3 million customers," said Mark Feidler, Cingular Chief Operating Officer. "Cingular has built its reputation by providing outstanding network quality and superior customer service, and will continue to invest in its networks to ensure our customers' continued satisfaction."
Network Consolidation
Cingular Wireless, a joint venture between BellSouth and SBC, is a consolidation of 11 different brands, with diverse regional networks. Since launching its brand in January this year, Cingular has been merging its networks into a seamless nationwide network that employs uniform design criteria, consistent service level objectives and efficient interconnecting and signaling networks.
Cingular is deploying seven state-of-the-art regional Network Operating Centers that will utilize best practices and systems in the industry. The new regional centers will monitor Cingular's networks, analyze performance and reconfigure the network to rapidly respond to its ever-changing needs. These centers also offer immediate response when natural disasters strike. An additional center has been established to manage national network elements such as Cingular's SS7 and ATM networks.
Spectrum Efficiency
Cingular is one of the market leaders in network optimization, utilizing an arsenal of tools to operate its networks at peak spectral efficiencies, and saving the company hundreds of millions in capital expenditures annually. The company has trialed a multitude of different techniques and technologies this year to achieve further efficiencies. Those technologies that offer the most promise will be implemented into Cingular's network in 2002.
Current trials include automatic frequency planning, improved power control, dynamic channel allocation and many others. The key to efficiency is how often radio frequencies can be reused in a given area. Cingular is driving its network toward a frequency reuse which offers twice the capacity of its original digital technology and over six times the capacity of traditional analog wireless systems.
National Trend -- Customers Using Wireless More
Cingular processes billions of airtime minutes each month and is serving 50 percent more minutes through its network than during similar periods last year. Not only has there been steep growth in the number of people using wireless, but in recent years those people are consuming more and more wireless minutes. As use of Cingular's wireless network continues to increase, Cingular is expanding capacity to serve the growth. Cingular is adding capacity in existing sites as well as adding additional sites for both capacity and expanded coverage. Cingular's strategic expansion of its wireless network will continue to improve coverage in high call volume areas and will expand its national coverage footprint.
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 more than 21.3 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. <<
- Eric - |
