Mobility Phones - Mobile Phones

Nokia today announced that N-Gage Arena members can download a free exclusive demo of the mutant action adventure RPG X-Men(TM) Legends by logging onto www.n-gage.comThe X-Men(TM) Legends demo will provide gamers with valuable insights into the storyline and the conflicts facing the inhabitants of the mutant universe. Players will be able to sample the fighting skills of eight Marvel favorites including Wolverine(TM), Storm(TM), Rogue(TM), Cyclops(TM) and Iceman(TM). This fully functioning demo will let gamers play a single level either alone or battle up to four of their friends via Bluetooth wireless technology.

“This demo will give gamers a real taste of what they can expect from the full game and is an excellent medium to showcase the mobile and multiplayer functions of N-Gage. The demo will definitely leave gamers wanting more of the superhero teams they create,” says Pasi Polonen, Director of Games Publishing, Nokia X-Men(TM) Legends is in stores now!

About Activision
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded in 1979, Activision posted net revenues of $864 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003. Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Australia, Scandinavia and the Netherlands. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s World Wide Web site, which is located at www.activision.com. About N-Gage The N-Gage game deck is an innovative mobile device that is creating an entirely new market for the games industry. Built for active gamers, the N-Gage platform is the first mobile and connected game deck to feature online high-quality 3D multiplayer game play over Bluetooth wireless technology and GPRS. The N-Gage device also offers unique online games services as well as a comprehensive and growing games catalogue from the leading game publishers. Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Nokia and N-Gage are trademarks or registered trademarks of Nokia Corporation.

Taste The Action - Download Free Demo and N-Gage Arena Fan Pack

Nokia today announced that it has started shipping one of its most anticipated N-Gage games, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Chaos Theory(TM). Simultaneously, the game mini site will go live at www.n-gage.com/splintercellchaostheory where all Sam Fisher fans can download a free single-player demo of the game. Fans can also download an N-Gage Arena Fan Pack from the N-Gage Arena.

Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Chaos Theory(TM), set in an immersive 3D world, lets gamers go head-to-head or even play co-operatively via the Bluetooth wireless connection. Players can connect with each other also on the N-Gage Arena by posting player clips and rankings.

“Gameloft has done a fantastic job with the Splinter Cell franchise on the N-Gage platform and the latest installment is no exception. Chaos Theory has been getting rave reviews in the press and we’re proud to have the game in our portfolio,” says Pasi Polonen, Director, Games Publishing, Nokia. “The downloadable demo offers a taste of the action and the Chaos Theory fan pack gives fans the chance to personalize their phone.”

The Chaos Theory mini site http://www.mobilityphones.com/www.n-gage.com/splintercellchaostheory offers gamers the opportunity to download a free single-player demo with a training map to truly train their Sam Fisher moves and prepare themselves to neutralize the enemies. Fans can also download fan packs to their N-Gage phones from the N-Gage Arena. Chaos Theory N-Gage Arena Fan Pack includes three different wallpapers, two pre-configured multimedia messages to send to friends and an N-Gage Arena Launcher skin.

So hone your stealth skills, prepare to neutralize the enemy and play one of the best N-Gage games yet!

About N-Gage
The N-Gage game deck is an innovative mobile device that is creating an entirely new market for the games industry. Built for active gamers, the N-Gage platform is the first mobile and connected game deck to feature online high-quality 3D multiplayer game play over Bluetooth wireless technology and GPRS. The N-Gage device also offers unique online games services as well as a comprehensive and growing games catalogue from the leading game publishers.

About Gameloft
Gameloft is a leading international publisher and developer of video games for mobile phones. Established in 1999, it has emerged as one of the top innovators in its field. The company creates games for mobile handsets equipped with Java, Brew or Symbian technology. The total number of mobile handsets with this technology is anticipated to exceed one billion units in 2007. Partnership agreements with leading licensors and sports personalities such as Ubisoft Entertainment, Universal Pictures, Paramount Studios, Dreamworks, Vans, Vijay Singh and Geoff Rowley allow Gameloft to form strong relationships with international brands. In addition to the partnerships, Gameloft owns and operates titles such as Block Breaker Deluxe, Asphalt: Urban GT and Siberian Strike. Through agreements with major telephone wireless carriers, handset manufacturers, specialized distributors and its online shop, Gameloft has a distribution network in over 65 countries. Gameloft has worldwide offices in New York, San Francisco, Montreal, Paris, London, Düsseldorf, Milan, Barcelona, Beijing, Tokyo and Hong Kong. Gameloft is listed on Euronext Paris (ISIN: FR0000079600, Bloomberg: GFT FP, Reuters: GFT.PA) For more information visit www.gameloft.com.

Fans of AMERICAN IDOL Can Chat With Each Other and With Stars of the Show Via the Text Messaging Capabilities of Their Cingular Phone

Cingular Wireless, the nation’s largest wireless service provider, and Telescope, Inc., a mobile solutions company, part of the Bertelsmann group, announce the availability of a new premium text messaging (SMS) chat service for fans of AMERICAN IDOL — the top-rated show owned and produced by Fremantle Media and 19 Entertainment. Fans of AMERICAN IDOL can sign up and chat with one another by using their Cingular mobile phones.

This season, two chat services will be offered: “Idol Chat,” a community based service that allows AMERICAN IDOL fans to communicate with other IDOL fans, and “Idol Interview,” a fun interactive service that allows fans to interview the featured American Idol celebrity guest. To participate, Cingular customers send in a user name and confirm their understanding they are joining a premium service. Charges will appear on their mobile phone bill.

When using Idol Chat, participants enter a mobile chat room and converse with others interested in AMERICAN IDOL. Participants enter a chat room where they send and receive messages on their wireless handset via text messaging. Every message is read and cleared by trained community moderators before being sent to the public group, thereby eliminating all inappropriate messages. Participants may enter and leave the chat room with simple one-word commands (i.e. JOIN, LEAVE etc.). The cost is $.30 for each message received. Standard text messaging charges apply to messages sent.

In Idol Interview, one AMERICAN IDOL celebrity takes the “stage” and answers questions posed by the participating wireless audience. One celebrity chat is planned per week, running for at least 30 minutes. Moderators and producers read each text message sent and select as many as they can for the celebrity to answer during the event. The cost to participate is $1.99 per event, plus standard text charges.

“As the company who has managed the voting process since the first season of AMERICAN IDOL, we are excited to offer this new program to the millions of AMERICAN IDOL fans,” said Troy Sample, Managing Director of Telescope. “Telescope has a reputation for exporting best-in-breed solutions to all interactive platforms. This innovative SMS chat service is another excellent example of Telescope’s capabilities. By bringing the UK company, Stream Group’s mature mobile chat platform to the US, we both extend the AMERICAN IDOL community to Cingular subscribers and allow fans to engage in a one-to- one relationship with the stars of the show.”

“As the exclusive telecom sponsor of AMERICAN IDOL, Cingular is thrilled to work with Telescope to bring the excitement of the big screen onto the small screen for our wireless customers to enjoy,” said Jim Ryan, vice president, consumer data services, Cingular Wireless. “With these two new text messaging services, Idol Chat and Idol Interview, fans of the show are sure to appreciate the opportunity to get up close and personal with AMERICAN IDOL celebrities and other fans, directly from their wireless phone.”

“There is a huge fan base who want to interact with our show, as the 360 million telephone votes we received last season shows,” said Keith Hindle, Vice President of Integrated Marketing & Interactive at FremantleMedia. “Fully moderated mobile chat is another way we can extend their Idol experience beyond the show itself. Telescope has an impeccable track record in managing the telephony for the show, so are the perfect partner to bring this to fruition.”

The Idol Chat service is available Wednesdays from 4:00pm PT / 7:00 pm ET to 12:00 am PT / 3:00 am ET. Subscribers receive all commands and Help information upon joining the service, free of charge. Information and schedules for both Idol Chat and Idol Interview are also available online at http://www.cingular.com/idol/chat and http://www.idolonfox.com/.

About Cingular Wireless
Cingular Wireless is the largest wireless carrier in the United States, serving more than 50 million customers. Cingular, a joint venture between SBC Communications Inc. (NYSE:SBC) and BellSouth Corporation (NYSE:BLS), has the largest digital voice and data network in the nation and the largest mobile- to-mobile community of any national wireless carrier. Cingular is the only U.S. wireless carrier to offer Rollover(SM), the wireless plan that lets customers keep their unused monthly minutes. Details of the company are available at http://www.cingular.com/ . Get Cingular Wireless press releases e- mailed to you automatically. Sign up at http://www.cingular.com/newsroom .

ABOUT TELESCOPE, INC.
Telescope is a management solutions company providing services for the Media and Telecoms world. Telescope offers complete end-to-end production, development and management, taking responsibility for all aspects of setting up and managing projects, ensuring ‘best in class’ service delivery. Telescope’s expertise covers both fixed and wireless communications with a comprehensive knowledge of interactive marketing. To learn more, please visit our website: http://www.telescope.tv/.

About FremantleMedia
FremantleMedia Licensing Americas (FMLA) is the US licensing arm of FremantleMedia, one of the largest international creators and producers of program brands in the world, with leading prime time drama, serial drama, entertainment and factual entertainment programming in over 40 territories. FMLA exploits FremantleMedia’s many strong brands including the award winning, American Idol, the world’s longest running game show The Price Is Right, the ever-popular Family Feud, and other classic game shows across multiple off- screen platforms including merchandising campaigns, interactive and wireless support, home entertainment and music publishing. http://www.fremantlemedia.com/

About 19 Entertainment
Today, 19 is recognized as a leading creator, provider and promoter of globally successful, music based entertainment, or “Entertainment Brands”. 19 has attracted a unique collection of expertise in people who work together to integrate and leverage activity across television, music film, merchandising, music publishing, recording, artist/writer and producer management, sponsorship and promotion. To date, 19 has been involved in the creation of 101 Number 1 singles and 81 Number 1 albums with an impressive tally of 233 Top 40 albums and 389 Top 40 singles.

American Idol(R) 19 TV Ltd. and FremantleMedia North America, Inc. Based on the television program “American Idol” produced by FremantleMedia North America, Inc. and 19 TV Ltd. Licensed by FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide. http://www.fremantlemedia.com/.

Cingular Wireless has dropped the green flag in cyberspace for fans of No. 31 Cingular Wireless Chevrolet and NASCAR driver Jeff Burton. With the launch of http://www.cingular31.com/ , the official Web site of TEAM Cingular, fans will now have an opportunity to stay up to speed on everything happening around the team, including the latest news and notes, driver appearances and customer promotions.The new, interactive web site will serve as a comprehensive portal devoted to everything around TEAM Cingular. Exclusive content will include pre- and post-race reports, Jeff Burton pre- and post-race perspectives, up-to-date driver and show car appearance schedules, Cingular-themed promotions and contests and links to the latest media coverage around TEAM Cingular.

“This is a great way to keep fans of TEAM Cingular in touch with the No. 31 Cingular Wireless Chevrolet and Jeff Burton,” said John Burbank, VP High Growth Markets at Cingular. “Most race fans rely on the Internet for the latest information about their favorite drivers. We are very committed to giving our race fans and customers a way to become involved with the team.”

Visitors to the site can find out information about contests in their area, send racing-themed personalized e-cards to friends and family and retrieve electronic photos taken at the Cingular Pit Stop, a mobile, interactive fan experience that visits race markets. Additional features coming soon will be racing-themed ringtones, games and screensavers, as well as photos from Cup races. Fans and customers can also click onto the “Cingular Offers” option to gain access to national phone offers.

ABOUT JEFF BURTON

• Ranks 20th in the Cup Series point standings
• After coming to RCR in August of 2004, he scored eight top-15 finishes, including one top-five and two top-10 finishes in just 14 Cup Series starts
• From 1997-2001, he finished in the top-10 of the Cup Series driver’s point standings including, 17 career victories, two poles, 91 top-five and 149 finishes
• Cup Series Rookie-of-the-year in 1994

 

About Cingular Wireless
Cingular Wireless is the largest wireless carrier in the United States, serving more than 50 million customers. Cingular, a joint venture between SBC Communications Inc. (NYSE:SBC) and BellSouth Corporation (NYSE:BLS), has the largest digital voice and data network in the nation and the largest mobile- to-mobile community of any national wireless carrier. Cingular is the only U.S. wireless carrier to offer Rollover(SM), the wireless plan that lets customers keep their unused monthly minutes. Details of the company are available at http://www.cingular.com/ .

The Stylish AX4750 Delivers the Flexibility and Convenience of Seamless, Two-Way Communication to ALLTEL Subscribers

Building on their reputation for delivering the latest, most practical mobile technology to consumers everywhere, LG Mobile Phones and ALLTEL today announced the launch of the new AX4750 mobile handset, the latest Touch2Talk handset available to ALLTEL customers. ALLTEL’s Touch2Talk technology enables powerful, digital two-way “walkie-talkie” style communications for one-to-one conversations or group calls with up to 20 participants at the touch of a button. Users can unite in style and stay connected more easily than ever before with the AX4750’s Touch2Talk capability, the only mobile handset feature that provides instant communication. The AX4750 features voice command and speaker-independent voice recognition, enabling hands-free calling and access to essential features like voice mail, digit dial, time and date and phone status. The Touch2Talk and voice command capabilities are enhanced by the AX4750’s powerful speakerphone and “announce mode,” which provides audio confirmation of menu navigation and dialing.

Not only does the AX4750 enhance the user’s overall communication experience, it also offers more online access and downloadable content with ALLTEL’s Axcess Services, enabling users to access games, ringers, wallpapers and Enhanced Messaging Services. The AX4750 also offers the same set of comprehensive features that go into every LG mobile phone, including Polyphonic ringer and sound capability, full-color internal LCD, customizable display options, 98-entry speed dial and 499-contact address book.

“Working with partners such as ALLTEL, LG has been leading the charge to make Touch2Talk functionality available to a new, larger group of mobile phone users,” said Jon Maron, director, marketing communications for LG Mobile Phones. “The AX4750’s Touch2Talk capabilities offer consumers a new way to communicate using their phones, a rarity in this crowded mobile handset market.”

A complete list of AX4750 features is included below:

• Network: Dual-Band/Tri-Mode
• Frequency: 1.9 GHz CDMA PCS, 800 MHz CDMA/AMPS
• Dimensions: 3.79″ (H) x 1.94″ (W) x 0.89″(D)
• Weight: 3.70 oz.
• Internal Color LCD: 65K Color CSTN, 128 x 128 Pixels, 7 Lines
• External Monochrome LCD: Monochrome, 96 x 64 Pixels, 3 Lines
• Standard Battery 1,000 mAh Li-Ion
• Talk Time Up to 200 Minutes* / Standby Time Up to 75 Hours*
• Touch2Talk — digital two-way service for one-to-one communication or group calls with up to 20 participants*
• Mobile Web and Brew(R) — one-touch online access, download games, ringtones, wallpapers and more*
• Store up to 1.67MB of Downloaded Content
• Enhanced Messaging Service (EMS) — send and receive text messages with graphics & sounds*
• Text Messaging*
• Media Folder — store downloaded pictures, sounds, graphics, animations and more
• Speaker-Independent Voice Recognition — make calls and access other essential features
• Voice Commands: Call Someone, Voice Mail, Digit Dial, Service Alerts, Missed Calls, Contacts, Driving, Announce, Time and Date, Phone Status
• Driving Mode — activates speakerphone and voice commands for safe, hands-free operation
• Powerful Speakerphone
• Announce Mode — audio confirmation of menu navigation
• DTMF Key Tone — audio confirmation while dialing
• Polyphonic Ringer and Sound Capability (CMX MIDI Format)
• 35 Unique Default Ringtones
• Manner (Vibrate) and Silent Modes
• External Backlit LCD — easy viewing of caller ID, date and time
• Blue Backlit Keypad
• 5-Way Navigation Key
• Customizable Display Options: Banner, Backlight, Screens (Wallpaper, Power On, Power Off), Menu Style, Clocks, Theme Colors, Contrast, Fonts and Language
• Personal Organizer: Calendar with Scheduler, Voice Memo (up to 4 minutes), Notepad
• Tools: Alarm Clock, My Shortcut, Ez Tip Calc, Calculator, World Clock
• Address Book with 499 Contacts — each stores 5 numbers and 3 e-mail addresses
• Speed Dialing (98 Entries + 1 Default for Voice Mail)
• USB Capable
• TTY/TDD Capable

 

* Battery time will vary depending on personal usage and system transition. Product features subject to change. Features based on carrier program availability.

The LG AX4750 is available for $99.99 on a two-year contract and $159.99 with a one-year agreement from ALLTEL (www.alltel.com).

About ALLTEL
ALLTEL is a customer-focused communications company with more than 13 million customers and $8 billion in annual revenues. ALLTEL provides wireless, local telephone, long-distance, Internet and broadband services to residential and business customers in 26 states.

About LG Electronics, Inc.
LG Electronics, Inc. (CEO: S.S. Kim, 06657.KS) was established in 1958 as the pioneer in the Korean consumer electronics market. The company is a major global force in electronics and information and communications products with more than 64,000 employees working in 75 overseas subsidiaries and marketing units around the world. With annual total revenues of more than US $29.9 billion (consolidated), LG Electronics comprises three main business companies: Digital Display & Media, Digital Appliance, and Telecommunication Equipment & Handset.

The LG Telecommunication Equipment & Handset Company provides total solutions ranging from wired and wireless handsets to telecommunication equipment. The company is a leader in the innovation and development of cutting -edge technologies in next-generation wireless telecommunications and is steadily expanding its global market share in 3G (WCDMA/cdma2000) wireless systems.

LG Electronics’ goal is to enable the intelligent networking of digital products that will make consumers’ lives better than ever. For more information, please visit http://www.lgusa.com/.

New Products, Music-Centric Relationships and Seamless Mobile Music Experiences Unveiled at M3 Summit

M3 Summit — Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) today unveiled new handsets and music content, further solidifying the company’s leadership in bringing new and innovative mobile music experiences to consumers around the world.

With Motorola’s rapidly growing portfolio of converged music devices and relationships with industry leaders, the company is becoming the preferred source of innovative mobile music by providing technologies and experiences that tear down the barriers between music producer and music consumer. Motorola is committed to delivering cutting edge mobile music solutions for all music fans across a variety of technology platforms and at a number of different price points.

“With a mobile music portfolio that features a variety of different solutions, Motorola is delivering premium, innovative products and technologies that help people bring their own personal lifebeat with them all over the world,” says Alberto Moriondo, Worldwide Director of Entertainment Solutions, Mobile Devices Business for Motorola, Inc. “This isn’t technology for technology’s sake; this is technology for music’s sake.”

Motorola E680i
A world of music lives in your pocket and in your hand with the new Motorola E680i. With over two gigabytes of music with optional memory, the Motorola E680i allows you to transfer, store, catalog and enjoy your favorite tracks. Stereo audio is supported wirelessly over Bluetooth(R) technology with such products as the Motorola HT820 Bluetooth stereo headphones. The E680i also provides easy plug & play desktop synchronization and music transfers between handset and PC. Connect straight into the Music Store to learn about and purchase new music whenever you want.* The handset performs across MP3, WMA, RealAudio/Video, MIDI, WAV, AAC and a range of others formats — providing wide-ranging industry compatibility. Complete with a built-in FM radio receiver, video capture/playback capabilities, handwriting recognition and e-mail, the Motorola E680i will be available in the Asia-Pacific region in April 2005.

Motorola E725
The Motorola E725 delivers the music you want in just seconds. Advanced EV-DO network capability lets you wirelessly download your favorite music tracks and videos to your handset faster than ever before*. Sync it with your PC and take your music collection wherever you go or hit the streets and download over-the-air.* The ultimate audio experience is in the palm of your hand via integrated dual-speakers, stereo headset port and advanced 3D stereo surround sound. With dedicated music keys, 5-band graphic equalizer, audio synchronized rhythm lights and up to 2GB of storage on the optional removable memory card for music and multimedia content, the Motorola E725 has everything you need in a mobile media device. The Motorola E725 will be available in the Americas in the second half of 2005.

Motorola E685
The Motorola E685 brings high fashion to high fidelity. Packed within the slim slider is a vibrant color display, mp3 player with stereo headset jack, VGA camera with photo and video capture, and CDMA 1x data capability. With a sync cable and a PC, you can transfer your favorite tracks to the phone in seconds, and enjoy them on-the-go. Consumers in China will be able to take their music mobile in style with the new Motorola E685 in the first half of 2005.

HIJACKED by MTV International
Continuing to grow and expand their strategic marketing relationship, Motorola and MTV International are providing consumers with the first-ever HIJACKED mobile handsets, bringing a rebellious new approach to mobile phones. With this new portfolio of Motorola phones Hijacked by MTV, the ability to be an MTV karaoke star or graffiti artist is now at hand. Later this year these new handsets will create a new world of mobile madness and entertainment, MTV-style.

On-Site Experiences

iRadio
Attendees of the Motorola experience at M3 will also receive a first look at two new innovative technology advances from Motorola. The first is the breakthrough Motorola iRadio solution, which will mobilize hundreds of commercial-free Internet radio channels* as well as a user’s personal music collection, letting them enjoy their favorite artists and tunes whether at home, in the car, or on the go. The service uses a high-speed Internet connection, Bluetooth(R) technology, and a mobile phone to offer listeners a continuous entertainment experience — users can start a song on your car radio at exactly the point where you stopped it on your living room stereo.

Near Field Communications (NFC)
For consumers looking to expand their own personal music collection, Motorola is showcasing a Near Field Communications (NFC) solution. At M3, users will be able to use a NFC-enabled Motorola mobile phone to read a smart tag embedded in a concert poster to download information about the artist to their mobile phone, purchase songs or order tickets to an upcoming concert from the Web*. This is just another way Motorola is changing the mobile music scene.

About Motorola
Motorola is a Fortune 100 global communications leader that provides seamless mobility products and solutions across broadband, embedded systems and wireless networks. In your home, auto, workplace and all spaces in between, seamless mobility means you can reach the people, things and information you need, anywhere while on the go. Seamless mobility harnesses the power of technology convergence and enables smarter, faster, cost-effective and flexible communication. Motorola had sales of US $31.3 billion in 2004. For more information: http://www.motorola.com/ .

Motorola Handsets Get Hijacked by MTV International

M3 Music Summit — Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) and MTV International are digitally invading the latest Motorola handsets. HIJACKED by MTV brings a brilliantly rebellious mobile experience that rewrites the rules of ringtones, alerts, screensavers, SMS/MMS templates and wallpapers to Motorola’s latest youth focused handsets.

More than just new content, each Motorola handset in this limited-edition series has a truly unique interface and functionality that has been jointly developed by Motorola and MTV, specifically for the mobile-fuelled MTV generation.

The first truly youth focused handset application with the needs, aspirations and desires of young people taken into account, Motorola handsets HIJACKED by MTV pull no punches. Updates on existing content and cutting-edge capabilities include:

• SMS templates that speak a universal language shared by young people — not their parents’
• A host of preloaded wallpapers, screensavers, phonebook IDs and skins with in-your-face characters and offbeat illustrations
• A whole range of interchangeable new skins, allowing users to personally customize the look and feel of the phone at their every whim — depending on their mood, outfit, season, time of the day — go from “bling bling” to “camouflage” at the touch of a button!
• Brand new MTV mobile games, including the latest in the Plastikulture series
• A host of new ringtones and alerts — all HIJACKED to put a new spin on audio reality

 

The HIJACKED by MTV concept is the brainchild of Cristian Jofre, Senior Vice President, Creative Director, MTV Networks International, evolving the handset as we know it into a new world of mobile mystery and entertainment.

Motorola handsets HIJACKED by MTV will be available in Europe, the Middle East, Latin America/Brazil and Asia-Pacific.

About Motorola
Motorola is a Fortune 100 global communications leader that provides seamless mobility products and solutions across broadband, embedded systems and wireless networks. In your home, auto, workplace and all spaces in between, seamless mobility means you can reach the people, things and information you need, anywhere, while on the go. Seamless mobility harnesses the power of technology convergence and enables smarter, faster, cost-effective and flexible communication. Motorola had sales of US $31.3 billion in 2004. For more information: http://www.motorola.com/ .

About MTV Networks International
MTV Networks International includes the premier multimedia entertainment brands MTV: Music Television, VH1, Nickelodeon, TMF (The Music Factory), Paramount Comedy and Game One seen in 411.7 million households in 164 countries and 18 languages via 100 locally programmed and operated TV channels and 90 Web sites. The company’s diverse holdings also include interests in television syndication, digital media, publishing, home video, radio, recorded music, licensing & merchandising and two feature film divisions, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies. MTV Networks is a unit of Viacom International Inc. (NYSE:VIA)(NYSE:VIA.B).

Launch of 1.3 Mega Pixel Camera and Video Phone Coincides With Cellular One’s New ‘Go One Better’ Campaign

The unique CDM-8930 handset, a stylized swivel clamshell camera phone from UTStarcom Personal Communications (formerly Audiovox Communications Corp.), a division of UTStarcom, Inc. (NASDAQ:UTSI), is now available for the first time in the U.S. through Cellular One(R), a subsidiary of Western Wireless Corporation (NASDAQ:WWCA) — a leading provider of wireless communications services to rural America. The handset marks the first mega pixel and video handset from Cellular One and coincides with the company’s new “Go One Better” campaign — a campaign designed to create new excitement and interest for the Cellular One brand.

The CDM-8930 boasts a built-in 1.3 mega pixel digital camera and camcorder that can record and store up to 10 minutes of video footage. The camera phone also has a macro function, built-in flash and capacity for up to 20 photos that can be e-mailed directly from the handset (an additional fee-based data service is required for this function). The state-of-the-art swivel head design is intended to allow users to take advantage of a truly innovative converged device.

The handset is equipped with a large 2-inch 262K TFT LCD display, a built-in two-way speakerphone, voice activated dialing and CMX 64 polyphonic ringers and stereo sound. The CDM-8930 is Java/BREW(TM) capable, data capable with USB interface (up to 144 kbps) and has MPEG-4 encoding and decoding plus two-way MMS/SMS capability, all system dependent.

The tri-mode handset (800/1900 MHz CDMA, Amps) is CDMA2000 1X enabled (system dependent) and features the MSM6100 chipset that is GPSOne(TM) capable (E911 Phase2 Supported) (system dependent).

The stylish CDM-8930 weighs only 3.3 ounces and measures 3.7″ x 1.9″ and 0.9″.

“We are all proud to be the first wireless carrier in North America to offer the UTStarcom/Audiovox 8930 handset,” said Jerry Gallegos, vice president of marketing at Cellular One. “The 8930 is a great example of how we at Cellular One ‘Go One Better’ to delight our customers by providing them with the best value in wireless products and services.”

“As a camcorder, camera, and phone device rolled into one, the 8930 is an ideal converged device to showcase Cellular One’s new services,” said Philip Christopher, president of UTStarcom Personal Communications Division. “As the first mega pixel and video phone from Cellular One, the 8930 is designed to provide consumers with the value and style that they have come to expect.”

For more than 10 years, Cellular One has been honored to serve customers in America’s wide-open spaces. The Cellular One “Go One Better” campaign, launched in early March 2005, is the company’s continued commitment to be the better choice for wireless services. The “Go One Better” theme supports this commitment by providing customers with the best value in local anytime minutes, unbeatable flexibility in changing service plans, and a full money-back guarantee.

The CDM-8930 is available at Cellular One and authorized dealer locations, and online at CellularOne.com for $149.99 with a 2-year service agreement.

About Western Wireless Corporation and Cellular One
Western Wireless Corporation, owner of the Cellular One(R) brand, is a leading provider of rural wireless communications services to more than 1.3 million customers in the western United States. Headquartered in Bellevue, Wash., Western Wireless Corporation operates wireless cellular phone systems and company-owned retail stores in 19 western states under the Western Wireless(R) and Cellular One brand names. Western Wireless Corporation also licenses the Cellular One brand name to wireless service providers in 16 additional states and the Caribbean. Cellular One has been one of America’s most recognized wireless brands for more than 20 years. For more information about Western Wireless Corporation, visit WesternWireless.com. Information on Cellular One may be found at CellularOne.com.

About UTStarcom Personal Communications
UTStarcom Personal Communications is changing the way the world communicates through innovative wireless technology applications that deliver practical, reliable and flexible communications solutions designed to improve professional productivity and enhance personal lifestyles.

UTStarcom Personal Communications (formerly Audiovox Communications Corp.) provides wireless communications devices including handsets, PocketPCs and air cards to carriers throughout North and South America and supplies every CDMA carrier in the U.S. and Canada. The company’s products are manufactured by its parent company, UTStarcom, Inc. (NASDAQ:UTSI), and by third-party original equipment manufacturers. UTStarcom Personal Communications Division is based in Hauppauge, New York, and maintains offices and support facilities throughout the U.S., Canada and Latin America.

UTStarcom, Inc. is a global leader in IP access networking solutions and international service and support. The company sells its wireline, wireless, optical and switching solutions to operators around the world. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Alameda, California, the company has research and design operations in New Jersey, China, and India.

Nokia today announced that it has started deliveries of the Nokia 6680, introduced just one month ago at the 3GSM World Congress in Cannes, France. Optimized for visual sharing, the Nokia 6680 imaging smartphone boasts a wide array of features including two integrated cameras, a flash, the Nokia XpressPrint printing solution, an active slide for easy camera activation and a bright screen of up to 262,144 colors. The device will be available in markets across Europe, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.”The Nokia 6680 enables the full benefit of high-speed 3G networks to be enjoyed with a wide range of multimedia services, including video, email, music downloads and Internet browsing,” says Joe Coles, director of imaging product marketing at Nokia. “We are very pleased with the fantastic demand for the Nokia 6680, and expect it to be widely available in all the major 3G markets around the world.”

Printing from the Nokia 6680 is easier than ever thanks to the Nokia XpressPrint solution that offers support for PictBridge and other advanced printing methods. People can print their pictures, emails or contacts directly from the Nokia 6680 imaging smartphone using a range of compatible home or office printers or photo kiosks via a USB cable, Bluetooth wireless connection or by conveniently extracting the MMC card from the side of the phone.

The Nokia 6680 is the ideal work tool combining compelling smartphone features, including a personal organizer, video streaming and Internet browser, with a range of 3G-enabled features such as two-way video calls*, video sharing* and push email. Based on the leading Series 60 Platform, the Nokia 6680 can be easily customized to meet the needs of today’s mobile workforce.

A full list of features is available at www.nokia.com/6680

About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations. www.nokia.com

Stylish New Handset, Nicknamed ‘Shorty’, Offers Polyphonic Ring Tones, Flashlight and Integrated Speakerphone

CTIA Wireless 2005 — In New Orleans, arguably America’s most fun-loving city, Nokia (NYSE:NOK) today announced a preliminary agreement to launch its first handset for Virgin Mobile USA, arguably America’s most fun-loving wireless provider. The new handset, dubbed “Shorty,” further expands Virgin Mobile’s portfolio of affordable, content-rich phones and will debut at retail this summer — just in time for back-to-school.

“The ‘Shorty’ is high on style, function and reliability, and comes with an attractive price tag,” said Dan Schulman, CEO of Virgin Mobile USA. “Nokia’s unparalleled design and quality combined with Virgin Mobile’s custom content and graphics will make this an extremely popular handset within the youth market.”

It includes a full suite of features designed for a balance of fun and functionality. Optional user-changeable Xpress-on(TM) color covers allow users to change their phone faceplate when the mood strikes them, downloadable polyphonic ring tones let users express themselves through music, and an integrated flashlight illuminates any situation. The “Shorty” will be available through Virgin Mobile retail partners for an MSRP of $59.99.

A selection of advanced voice features including voice dialing, voice commands, voice memo recording and a built-in handsfree speakerphone truly optimize the power of voice. Data features include a wireless WAP 1.1 browser, text messaging capability and PC synchronization of contact and organizer information.

“This device offers a great combination of easy-to-use features and attractive design in a compact, yet affordable package. This blend of value and style will appeal to everyone, but makes it an especially good choice for first-time buyers and prepaid users,” said Timo Ihamuotila, senior vice president of CDMA for Nokia. “We’re excited to be working with Virgin Mobile USA to introduce this new product with the special brand of youthful energy that they bring to the wireless marketplace.”

About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations. http://www.nokia.com/.

About Virgin Mobile USA, LLC:
Launched nationally in July of 2002, Virgin Mobile USA, LLC has redefined and set the pace for the entire prepaid wireless category. More than three million wireless users have chosen Virgin Mobile’s Pay As You Go service with no long-term contracts and no hidden fees. In addition, J.D. Power and Associates has recognized Virgin Mobile for providing “An Outstanding Customer Service Experience” under its Certified Call Center Program(SM).

The nation’s first mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), Virgin Mobile is a joint venture between Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group and Sprint, which operates one of the largest 100-percent digital, nationwide PCS wireless networks in the United States. It is the first wireless provider to focus exclusively on the needs and desires of the youth. All Virgin Mobile customers have access to VirginXtras — a host of music, entertainment and fun lifestyle features, including exclusive content from strategic partner MTV: Music Television. Customers with 3G-enabled phones also have access to VirginXL — the high-octane version of VirginXtras featuring picture messaging, downloadable games and more.

Virgin Mobile phones and Top-Up cards are available direct on the Web at http://www.virginmobileusa.com/ ; at 888-322-1122; or, at more than 20,000 locations, including Amazon.com, Best Buy, Coconuts, CompUSA, F.Y.E., Media Play, RadioShack, Rite Aid, Safeway, Sam Goody, Sprint Stores, Strawberries, Target Stores, Wal-Mart, Virgin Megastores and select college bookstores. Top-Up cards are also available at more than 57,000 locations, including Circle K, CVS and 7-Eleven stores.

New Entry-Level Nokia 2115i Phone, Folding Nokia 3155 Phone and Nokia 6155 Camera Phone Make Debut Today

With the first day of spring less than a week away, baseball spring training is in full swing, and America’s premier wireless trade show, CTIA Wireless 2005, is getting under way. Today at CTIA Wireless 2005, Nokia (NYSE:NOK) unveiled a trio of new CDMA handsets that will add increased depth to Nokia’s already strong CDMA roster. These devices include the Nokia 2115i phone, an affordable handset perfect for first-time and prepaid wireless users, the Nokia 3155 phone, a mid-tier folding phone that delivers a winning combination of design and features, and the Nokia 6155 phone, a well-featured folding camera phone designed for users who want to maximize their wireless experience.

Nokia 2115i: The salary-cap champ
Leading off the new Nokia CDMA lineup is the Nokia 2115i. While engineered for affordability, it boasts a strong selection of features. Voice dialing and voice commands allow users to make calls and access their most-used functions with the power of speech. A built-in speakerphone keeps hands free for other tasks, and allows multiple people to join in on calls. Optional Xpress-on(TM) color covers allow users to show their individuality, and for all those dark nights, a flashlight is built in to help find dropped change or a hard-to-locate keyhole.

The compact 3-ounce Nokia 2115i is expected to be available during the second quarter of 2005.

Nokia 3155: Major league power in the middle of the lineup
In the on-deck circle is the Nokia 3155, which combines a 262K color display and stylish folding design with a price point that offers users maximum value for their money. The Nokia 3155 features dual displays, including a large 128 x 160 pixel primary display, 12MB of user memory for images, downloadable applications, MP3 ringtones, PDA information and more, and voice functionality including voice dialing, voice commands and voice memos. A built-in speakerphone and PC synchronization for PDA information are perfect for business, while the integrated stereo FM radio and downloadable UI themes satisfy users’ needs for fun and personalization.

Weighing in at less than 4 ounces, the Nokia 3155 is expected to debut during the third quarter of 2005.

Nokia 6155: All-around performer and rookie-of-the-year candidate

Hitting in the cleanup spot is the Nokia 6155, a compact fold-style camera phone featuring a wide selection of powerful wireless features. For high-quality imaging, the Nokia 6155 features a 1-megapixel camera with 8x digital zoom, built-in LED flash and support for video recording and playback at a full 15 frames per second. The Nokia 6155 features dual TFT color screens, including a 262K color primary display that makes viewing streaming video content or using advanced downloadable applications with 3D graphics and animation a true multimedia experience.

An available mapping, routing and navigation system provides Nokia 6155 users with high quality graphical maps and turn-by-turn instructions via text, voice and graphics. The system also includes an extensive list of points of interest — such as restaurants, bars and hotels — and can provide not only directions to these locations, but send information to friends via text messaging and directly dial the establishment from within the navigation application.

The Nokia 6155 also supports enhanced voice command functionality and a multitude of ring tone options. Enhanced voice commands allow the Nokia 6155 to recognize speech for dialing and often-used commands without the need for the user to record ‘tags’ to train the device first. For the highest-quality ring tones, the Nokia 6155 supports 64 voice polyphonic ring tones, true musical tones in MP3 and AAC formats, and even video ring tones that add visual excitement to incoming calls.

The 4.4-ounce Nokia 6155 is expected to become available during the fourth quarter of 2005.

“These three new CDMA handsets help to enhance Nokia’s CDMA product range by filling well-defined market segments with winning products. The Nokia 2115i offers Nokia style and quality for those desiring a basic voice phone, the Nokia 3155 brings a solid feature set and fold design to value-conscious consumers, and the Nokia 6155 delivers the newest high-end wireless features to the upper mid-tier of our range,” said Timo Ihamuotila, senior vice president of Nokia’s CDMA business unit.

About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations. http://www.nokia.com/ .

Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) and Jaguar announced the availability of the Jaguar Bluetooth system — a new hands-free in-vehicle communication system using Bluetooth wireless technology — across all Jaguar 2005 model year vehicles.

Once a Jaguar owner completes a one time “pairing” between the Jaguar Bluetooth System and a Jaguar certified Bluetooth mobile phone, they can begin experiencing the convenience of hands-free and wire-free mobile phone calls while inside the car. With the wireless link established, the phone does not need to be physically connected to the vehicle. The phone can be left in a jacket or briefcase, for instance, enabling Jaguar owners to operate the in-vehicle communication system with ease.

Motorola designed the global hands-free communication platform that can be ordered from the factory or installed at the dealership. The Jaguar Bluetooth System is custom designed for Jaguar vehicles providing drivers with the ultimate level of integration. Once a Jaguar-approved mobile phone with Bluetooth wireless technology seamlessly connects with the Jaguar Bluetooth System, dependent on phone being used, the contact names and numbers from the mobile phone are downloaded into the system. Utilizing the integrated steering wheel and audio system controls, the driver can answer a call, scroll through phonebook entries where applicable or initiate a call. A Jaguar owner can also choose an optional voice recognition feature that enables the driver to place or receive calls with simple voice commands.

When a call is received by the Jaguar Bluetooth System, the name of the caller or phone number is displayed to the driver and the car stereo is automatically muted. If the driver chooses to accept the call, it is broadcast through the audio system inside the car. The system is specifically tuned to each vehicle and features Motorola’s advanced noise reduction and echo cancellation technology to deliver the optimal experience, so all calls are clear and background noise is minimal.

The Jaguar Bluetooth System is certified to work with a selection of Bluetooth enabled mobile phones.

Motorola and Jaguar are demonstrating the Jaguar Bluetooth System within Motorola’s booth (Hall D, Booth #3145) during CTIA WIRELESS 2005 being held in New Orleans, March 14-16.

About Motorola
Motorola is a Fortune 100 global communications leader that provides seamless mobility products and solutions across broadband, embedded systems and wireless networks. In your home, auto, workplace and all spaces in between, seamless mobility means you can reach the people, things and information you need, anywhere, anytime. Seamless mobility harnesses the power of technology convergence and enables smarter, faster, cost-effective and flexible communication. Motorola had sales of US $31.3 billion in 2004. For more information: http://www.motorola.com/ .

UTStarcom Personal Communications (formerly Audiovox Communications Corp.) today introduced its CDM-7000 Series CDMA mobile handsets, the first wireless devices for North America manufactured by UTStarcom Inc. (NASDAQ:UTSI), at CTIA Wireless 2005. The UTStarcom CDM-7000, CDM-7100 and CDM-7200 wireless phones will be marketed by UTStarcom Personal Communications.”We are excited to offer carriers and their customers the first UTStarcom wireless handsets in North America,” said Philip Christopher, president of UTStarcom Personal Communications. “The three handset models in the 7000 Series are designed to address entry-level and mid-tier market segments, which continue to be robust.”

The CDM-7000 Series phones are tri-mode (800/1900 MHz CDMA, AMPs) CDMA2000 1xRTT handsets featuring clamshell styling, a compact form and light weight. The handsets are equipped with the MSM 6050 Chipset, which is GPSOne(TM) capable (E911 Phase2 Supported), system dependent.

CDM-7000
Starting the UTStarcom 7000 Series line-up is the CDM-7000, a solid, entry-level device with a simple 1.4″ CSTN 4K Color Screen (102 x 80). The compact handset measures 3.3″ (H) x 1.8″ (W) x 0.9″ (D), and weighs 2.8 ounces.

The CDM-7000 offers features commonly found on much higher-end phones, including 32 polyphonic ringers, LED incoming call indicator, blue LED keypad lighting, two-way speakerphone, voice-activated dialing and PC sync. The handset has two-way SMS/EMS/MMS (system dependent) capabilities, T9 predictive text, and is equipped with 128 Mb Flash/32 Mb SRAM memory capabilities that accommodate up to 500 phonebook entries. The CDM-7000 supports PNG, BMP, JPEG image graphic formats and comes with a Li-Ion 850 mAH battery.

CDM-7100
Next in the series is the CDM-7100, which adds dual LCD screens to the strong tech specs of the CDM-7000. The main display on the CDM-7100 is a 1.8″ CSTN 65K Color LCD (128 x 160) and the sub-display screen is a 1″ CSTN 4K Color LCD (96 x 64). This model supports BREW functionality.

CDM-7200
The UTStarcom CDM-7200 brings a built-in camera phone into the picture. In addition to all the popular features of its CDM-7100 sibling, the CDM-7200 has a 330K pixel VGA camera with built-in flash and optical zoom. This model also supports BREW functionality.

For complete information, or to view a demonstration of the new 7000 Series, please stop by the UTStarcom Personal Communications Division Booth at CTIA Wireless 2005, Booth # 4045.

About UTStarcom Personal Communications
UTStarcom Personal Communications (formerly Audiovox Communications Corporation) is a division of UTStarcom, Inc. The UTStarcom Personal Communications Division provides mobile wireless devices to carriers throughout North and South America.

UTStarcom is a global leader in IP-based, end-to-end networking solutions and international service and support. The company sells its wireline, wireless, optical and switching solutions to operators around the world. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Alameda, California, the company has research and design operations in the United States, China, Canada, Korea and India. UTStarcom Personal Communications Division is based in Hauppauge, New York.

UTStarcom is a Fortune 1000 Company. For more information, please visit the company website at www.utstar.com.

 UTStarcom Personal Communications (formerly Audiovox Communications Corp.), a division of UTStarcom, Inc. (NASDAQ:UTSI), today introduced the innovative and practical CDM-9200 mobile handset at CTIA Wireless 2005. The CDM-9200 combines an aesthetically pleasing, curvaceous and compact styling with an incredible memory of 128 MB NOR and 64 MB SRAM.”We’ve taken the clamshell format phone and made it more elegant, ergonomic and capable,” said Philip Christopher, president of UTStarcom Personal Communications. “The expanded memory of the CDM-9200 will enable consumers to get more out of their camera phone by enabling them to store more photos and more contacts.”

With a contoured clamshell exterior and distinctive two-tone swirl design, the CDM-9200 is a dual-band CDMA (800/1900 MHz, AMPS) camera phone featuring a built-in CMOS VGA camera and dual LCD displays — a 1.8″ TFT 260K color main screen and a 1″ TFT 65K STN outer display. The CDM-9200 is BREW(TM) 2.1.3 and WAP 2.0 capable and offers TTY/TTD capability, voice-activated dialing and two-way SMS/EMS/MMS. The phone is equipped with the MSM 6050 chipset, which is GPSOne(TM) capable (E911 Phase 2 supported), system dependent.

For complete information, or to view a demonstration of the new CDM-9200, please stop by the UTStarcom Personal Communications booth at CTIA 2005, Booth No. 4045.

About UTStarcom Personal Communications
UTStarcom Personal Communications (formerly Audiovox Communications Corporation) is a division of UTStarcom, Inc. The UTStarcom Personal Communications Division provides mobile wireless devices to carriers throughout North and South America.

UTStarcom is a global leader in IP-based, end-to-end networking solutions and international service and support. The company sells its wireline, wireless, optical and switching solutions to operators around the world. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Alameda, California, the company has research and design operations in the United States, China, Canada, Korea and India. UTStarcom Personal Communications Division is based in Hauppauge, New York.

UTStarcom is a Fortune 1000 Company. For more information, please visit the company website at www.utstar.com

The outrageous reality series that made household names of heiresses Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie will soon expand into the wireless space when Verizon Wireless launches “The Simple Life: Interns.” These humorous original one-minute mobisodes based on the hit FOX series feature entirely original material not previously seen on the series and were specifically produced for transmission and enjoyment on wireless phones. They will become available exclusively through Verizon Wireless’ V CAST 3G wireless broadband multimedia service on Wednesday, April 6, 2005. Since the show’s January premiere, Verizon Wireless has offered video clip previews of upcoming “The Simple Life: Interns” television broadcast episodes on V CAST.”The Simple Life: Interns” mobisodes are designed to bring a whole new dimension, and new viewers, to the show as they run on Verizon Wireless’ cutting edge V CAST service,” said Lucy Hood, News Corp Senior Vice President of Content and Marketing, who oversees Fox’s mobile entertainment. “20th Century Fox Television is delighted to offer the first mobisodes based on a network comedy series available in a format designed specifically for mobile, which we believe will help this hit television show reach an even wider audience.”

Produced by “The Simple Life” creators Bunim-Murray Productions, the 26 original mobisodes will feature never-before-seen footage taken from Paris and Nicole’s adventures shooting the television series, in which they travel by Greyhound bus around the east coast, stopping along the way to try their hands at a number of diverse internships and staying with a variety of host families. Mobisodes include all new scenes of Paris and Nicole’s exploits as auto mechanics, office managers, airport personnel, and plastic surgery interns as well as their interactions with members of the families they meet along the way. Each mobisode is structured much like the television show on which it is based, with a self-contained story based on the girls’ experiences working at one specific job or staying with one family.

Fans of the show will be able to purchase the first eight mobisodes at launch for $0.99 each on select V CAST phones. In the following weeks, fans will be able to download two new mobisodes per week for $0.99 each in conjunction with the broadcast of the television series.

“The Simple Life: Interns” is currently seen by 11.2 million people every week, averaging a 5.1/12 among Adults 18-49 and is currently winning its half hour among all key measures: Adults 18-49, Total Viewers, Adults 18-34/25-54, Teens, Households, Women 18-49/18-34/25-54 and Men 18-49/18-34/25-54.

Jonathan Murray (”The Real World,” “Road Rules”) is the executive producer of “The Simple Life: Interns,” which is a 20th Century Fox Television production in association with Bunim-Murray Productions.

V CAST from Verizon Wireless is the nation’s first 3G wireless broadband multimedia service for consumers, allowing customers to view crystal clear video clips on demand and 3D games because it runs on Verizon Wireless’ Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO) network - the fastest widely available wide- area wireless broadband network in the United States.

For $15.00 monthly access added to their Verizon Wireless calling plan, customers get V CAST which includes unlimited access to more than 300 regularly updated video clips each day from leading news, sports, weather and entertainment content providers. Unlimited basic short content is included. There are no airtime charges to download, stream or watch V CAST content. For a limited time, customers who sign up for V CAST receive two months of service free. Customers can also download or stream premium short content, such as music videos, 3D games and “The Simple Life: Interns” mobisodes, available at additional cost.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation’s most reliable wireless network, serving 43.8 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com/. To receive broadcast-quality video footage of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

Expands EDGE Coverage to More Than 250M Pops and 13,000 Cities and Towns, Gives Customers Access to Nearly 4,000 WiFi Hot Spots, Offers Customers Unlimited EDGE/WiFi Data Plan

People can now use their laptops to receive high-speed wireless data connections in more places as Cingular Wireless begins offering the first national unlimited EDGE/WiFi data plan.

Cingular customers can now receive unlimited high-speed data connections at nearly 4,000 WiFi hotspots or when accessing the company’s expanded EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution) coverage area - domestically and internationally.

“Our customers can now have the best of both worlds, whether they’re in a hot spot or not,” said Abhi Ingle, executive director of Cingular’s Business Markets Group. “We’re giving customers a single solution for high-speed data access without having to search out specific locations.”

Through roaming agreements with other wireless carriers, Cingular recently increased its EDGE service area to cover more than 250 million people and now makes the service available in 13,000 cities and towns and in areas along nearly 40,000 miles of highways. Internationally, customers can access EDGE in nearly two dozen countries and GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) service in about 80 countries where EDGE is not currently available.

When using a laptop and EDGE PC modem card, customers can receive average data speeds up to 135kbps with bursts to 200kbps. Cingular’s EDGE service gives customers access to the fastest national wireless data network in the United States.

Cingular’s WiFi connections are provided through agreements with SBC companies, Wayport Inc., Concourse Communications, StayOnline(R) and through its owned-and-operated WiFi networks.

Cingular currently has WiFi networks at several airports including Denver International, Philadelphia International, Raleigh-Durham International, Seattle-Tacoma International and at select Amtrak stations in the Northeast, including those in New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Wilmington, Del., Providence and the Boston area.

Customers who want unlimited access to both WiFi and EDGE services can select a monthly plan for $99.98 ($79.99 EDGE + $19.99 WiFi). Customers purchasing a two year contract with the unlimited plan qualify for a FREE Edge PC modem card ($249.99 value). Other data plans with different term commitments and equipment pricing are also available to help customers select the right plan for their business.

Cingular customers can purchase an EDGE PC modem card, the EDGE/WiFi data plan and many other data services through its Business Markets Group. In addition, customers can also purchase an EDGE PC modem card at Cingular retail stores.

About Cingular Wireless
Cingular Wireless is the largest wireless carrier in the United States, serving more than 49 million customers. Cingular, a joint venture between SBC Communications Inc. (NYSE:SBC) and BellSouth Corporation (NYSE:BLS), has the largest digital voice and data network in the nation and the largest mobile- to-mobile community of any national wireless carrier. Cingular is the only U.S. wireless carrier to offer Rollover(SM), the wireless plan that lets customers keep their unused monthly minutes. Details of the company are available at http://www.cingular.com/ .

Cingular customers can access a complete collection of Star Wars content before the May 19, 2005 theatrical release of its final installment

A short time ago, in a galaxy not that far away, Cingular Wireless entered into a partnership with Lucasfilm Ltd. to give Cingular customers access to the best and most anticipated collection of wireless content from Star Wars: Episode III Revenge o