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Powered by Ericsson's mobile network technology, Cingular Wireless has launched the industry's first commercial mobile service using Enhanced Data rate for Global Evolution (EDGE), a third generation
(3G) wireless technology.

"Cingular Wireless' accomplishment moves the whole industry forward and drives momentum in the evolution to 3G," said Angel Ruiz, president and CEO of Ericsson North America. "Ericsson is proud to be a key technology and business partner to Cingular Wireless as they roll out 3G services and bring more powerful and exciting wireless capabilities to U.S. consumers."

"Ericsson's EDGE network infrastructure, now delivering commercial service in Indianapolis, triples the speeds at which Cingular customers can access mobile data," said Cingular Wireless chief technical officer Bill Clift. "We rely on vendors like Ericsson to deliver the technology that drives our business, and we look forward to continuing our 3G rollout with Ericsson at our side."

EDGE is a 3G technology that delivers broadband-like data speeds to mobile devices. It allows consumers to connect to the Internet and send and receive data, including digital images, web pages and photographs, three times faster than with a GSM/GPRS network. With EDGE technology, Cingular Wireless can offer higher-speed mobile data access, serve more mobile data customers, and free up GSM network capacity to accommodate additional voice traffic. Cingular Wireless' EDGE network will support peak data rates up to 170 kilobits per second with average data rates of 75-135 Kbps.

Ericsson has played a key role in building out Cingular Wireless' existing GSM/GPRS network with EDGE-ready equipment, supplying core network and radio access infrastructure, operation and maintenance systems, and installation and integration services. Ericsson will continue to support Cingular Wireless as it introduces EDGE throughout its network.