Cellular South Expands Advanced 3G Mobile Broadband Network In Mobile And Baldwin Counties
3G Expansion Builds on Cellular South's Significant $7.5 Million Investment in Local Network Infrastructure - Making the Company the Best Choice for Smartphone Users in Mobile
Mobile, AL (March 15, 2010) - Cellular South, the nation's largest privately-held wireless provider, today announced the expansion of its third-generation (3G) high-speed wireless mobile broadband services to consumer and business customers in Mobile and Baldwin Counties in Alabama - totaling nearly 120 new cell sites just in those areas.
In a news conference at the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce with key community leaders, business executives and local government officials, Cellular South representatives said the company's 3G expansion in Alabama is part of a multi-million investment that will make mobile broadband services accessible to nearly 90 percent of all Mobile and Baldwin County residents.
"Wireless devices are only as good as the network on which they work, which is why we're aggressively expanding our 3G network to reach our customers and investing more than $7.5 million in the Mobile area alone," said Kevin Hankins, chief operating officer for Cellular South. "In addition to our 3G network, our customers are also discovering the difference of simple and affordable plans like the industry-leading Smartphone Unlimited Plan and the latest smartphones with advanced applications like the Android™-powered HTC™ Hero."
Cellular South's introduction of its 3G network in Baldwin and Mobile Counties builds on previous massive rollouts, beginning in 2006. The company will have one of the most robust and advanced 3G networks available. As a result, Cellular South customers will experience faster uploads and downloads, gain access to new mobile high-speed data services, including mobile video, high-quality music and other multimedia applications.
"Today's wireless consumers are increasingly moving to smartphones and anyone looking to make the switch should consider Cellular South first," said Hankins. "We're making smartphone ownership easy for our customers with our reliable 3G coverage, plans that are affordable and include unlimited voice and data, as well as devices that people are excited to use."
State and local elected officials praised Cellular South for its multi-million investment in the region's mobile broadband infrastructure.
"I am excited to hear the news that Cellular South is investing further in its network and will be adding more 3G wireless high-speed data coverage to our state," said Alabama Gov. Bob Riley, noting that many businesses considering relocation or expansion closely examine an area's telecommunications infrastructure. "This is a step in advancing Alabama's network, and I encourage all of our providers to investigate expansion to our unserved and underserved areas. Expansion of broadband helps us strengthen the economic and educational foundation for future generations."
"Cellular South's efforts to enhance wireless coverage in Mobile and Baldwin counties will greatly benefit the communities in this region," said Mobile Mayor Sam Jones. "High-speed wireless data and the services and applications it supports are becoming increasingly important to both residential and business users. I appreciate the work that Cellular South and other carriers are doing to extend the benefits of broadband access to consumers and businesses who rely heavily on wireless technology for work and entertainment."
Since 2006, Cellular South has made more than $350 million in capital investments across Mississippi and Alabama as part of its broader $530 million overall network investment. The company's commitment to providing its customers with advanced and reliable 3G coverage has included the activation of more than 500 new cell sites and nearly 450completely new sites with 3G capacity. This year Cellular South has continued with its promise and launched more than 158 new 3G sites - enhancing its network and improving its overall wireless coverage.
In addition to expanding its high-speed data network, Cellular South has installed a new $2.1 million network switching facility in Mobile, providing a higher level of network capacity in the South Alabama and Gulf Coast regions. The close proximity of the facility will decrease the distance that wireless signals need to travel, and the increased capacity will allow the system to handle network activity more efficiently, allowing Cellular South to deliver calls, text messages and data more quickly.
Ronnie Adair, director of the Mobile County Emergency Management Agency, said expansion of Cellular South's 3G high-speed data transmission network and its new Mobile network switching facility also will help area businesses and residents in the aftermath of natural disasters and other emergencies. "These investments and new facilities by Cellular South will help ensure that essential communications for residential and business customers continue even when we experience severe weather and other life-threatening situations," Adair said.
The Mobile facility was built to withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy winds of up to 200 miles per hour. The building has two roofs for additional protection against tornado activity, as well as triple power back-up - including both built-in battery back-up and a heavy-duty generator providing reserve power - to ensure that the network stays up and running during inclement weather and emergencies. Additionally, the new facility will be monitored around the clock from the Cellular South Network Operations Control Center, ensuring reliable service and immediate troubleshooting capabilities.
"We recognize the importance of a strong network and high levels of redundancy to provide increased wireless security, especially during hurricane season and other natural disasters," said Tony Kent, chief technology officer for Cellular South. "Our customers depend on their cell phones and a reliable network to communicate with loved ones during and after a storm. We are determined to live up to the trust our customers have placed in us and continue to be the network they can count on in any situation."
The company intends to continue to aggressively invest in its wireless network to increase coverage and capacity, Kent said. "In addition to our best-in-class nationwide voice and data offerings, Cellular South continues to find new and innovative ways to make customers' wireless experience the best it can be, including our new Smartphone Unlimited Plan and advanced device offerings like the new HTC Hero."
For more information on Cellular South's 3G high-speed data network or how to get more out of your mobile phone, visit www.cellularsouth.com/networks.
About Cellular South
Cellular South is a privately-owned diversified mobile communications company passionately committed to helping customers get the most out of their wireless devices and services. The nation's largest privately owned wireless carrier accomplishes this goal by providing the most reliable and advanced 3G nationwide voice and data network, offering industry-leading family and unlimited flat rate voice, text and mobile web plans and through its online and in-store Discover Centers, which give customers easy, simple and convenient tools, tips, advice and information to get the most out of their mobile phone. For more information, visit www.cellularsouth.com.
