Cellular South Network Faring Well In Wake of Hurricane Gustav

Network operations center at company headquarters building in Ridgeland, Mississippi, where technicians monitor and manage Cellular South's wireless telecommunications network

Ridgeland, MS - (September 1, 2008) – – Cellular South's wireless communications network experienced a surge in traffic over the weekend as residents and emergency responders prepared for Hurricane Gustav, which made landfall Monday about 70 miles southwest of New Orleans.

A summary of Cellular South's network performance, its coordination with local and state emergency response agencies and storm resources is provided below:

NETWORK

• Cellular South network successfully handled 32.2 million minutes of use, a 32 percent increase in overall call volume, on Saturday and Sunday in south Mississippi and along the Gulf Coast
• Over 98% of the company's network was operational in the impacted areas earlier today after handling a 32 percent increase in overall call volume and 32 million minutes of use
• Due to infrastructure preparation and investments, the network continues to handle high volumes of voice calls and data usage from hurricane and storm-impacted areas without significant issues
• Network and engineering crews have staged additional back up generators and mobile units in Hattiesburg and Gulfport to replace any damaged equipment

RESPONSE

• Company representatives are assigned to the Mississippi Emergency Operations Center to respond to requests for wireless communications assistance from local and state government and emergency response agencies, including the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the office of Gov. Haley Barbour
• Cellular South is the official wireless communications carrier for all state agencies and employees in Mississippi
• Company has provided hundreds of mobile phones and service to local and state emergency response agencies and the American Red Cross

RESOURCES

• Cellular South has established a website with timely information and resources to help customers and the general public deal with Hurricane Gustav and its aftermath. The site, located at www.cellularsouth.com/hurricane , provides details on emergency shelters, weather updates, traffic conditions, power outages, gasoline availability and hotel accommodations for storm victims.
• Cellular South is planning to open store locations in the affected areas where possible tomorrow morning
• For updates, call #STORM (78676) from your Cellular South phone or call toll-free 1-888-276-8845 for information about the status of wireless service and retail store schedules