Next-Generation EV-DO Expansion Builds On Cellular South's $55 Million Network Upgrade Investment
JACKSON, Miss. - (November 27, 2007) – Cellular South, a leader in wireless lifestyle solutions and innovation, today announced the launch of the next-generation (3G) CDMA2000® 1x EVolution Data Optimized Revision A (EV-DO Rev. A) high-speed Internet network in Memphis, Tenn. The EV-DO Rev. A deployment is possible through a three-year agreement with Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) valued at more than $55 million in equipment, services and software upgrades to Cellular South's advanced wireless network.
"Whether it's instant e-mail access, watching high-quality video or downloading music, Cellular South's EV-DO Rev. A network will change the way Memphis businesses and residents stay connected," said Tony Kent, senior vice president of Engineering and Network Operations for Cellular South. "From Germantown to Beale Street, in the car or at the gym, EV-DO Rev. A offers incredibly fast speeds and easy and convenient broadband Internet access backed by one of the most trusted names in wireless service."
As part of the company's commitment to providing customers with the latest in wireless voice and data technology, Cellular South investment in the EV-DO Rev. A wireless broadband technology will provide Memphis customers unmatched access, speed and reliability. Cellular South customers will experience faster uploads and downloads when connecting to the Internet, and new mobile high-speed data services, including mobile video telephony, high-quality music and other multimedia applications.
"Alcatel-Lucent has been a key infrastructure provider to Cellular South and this agreement underscores the confidence they have in us to help lay the groundwork for an all-IP network in the future," said Cindy Christy, president of Alcatel-Lucent's North America business. "This agreement is another illustration of Alcatel-Lucent's commitment to our customers and to CDMA technology."
Adding capacity for both voice and data usage is in response to the rapid adoption of Cellular South's innovative wireless solutions - making it easier for customers to live an all-wireless lifestyle. In addition to its best-in-class nationwide voice and data offerings, Cellular South is leading the nation in m-commerce solutions. Having recently completed the first multi-city WirelessWallet trial of its kind in the US, the company is slated to launch a commercial m-commerce offering in 2008.
For more information on Cellular South's EV-DO service and other wireless solutions, visit www.cellularsouth.com.
About Cellular South
Cellular South is the largest privately held wireless provider in the U.S. The company is focused on providing the best service possible through its nationwide wireless voice and data network, award-winning customer care, state-of-the-art wireless devices, and commitment to the communities it serves. Cellular South was recently honored with the 2005 Wireless Week Excellence Award, 2006 Newcomen Award, and a concurrent resolution from the Mississippi Legislature commending the executives and employees of Cellular South for the company's extraordinary efforts in Hurricane Katrina's wake. For more information, visit www.cellularsouth.com.
