10Meters News Service

January 18, 2002 – Cingular Wireless, the second-largest wireless carrier in the U.S., on Wednesday said it is testing technology that will allow its customers to move seamlessly between its TDMA and GSM networks.

Called GAIT (GSM/ANSI-136 Interoperability Team), the company says the technology is a "cornerstone" to its transition to a nationwide high-speed third-generation network.

Last October, Cingular announced that it would begin upgrading its networks to 3G technology. The move includes the installation of a nationwide, digitalGSM voice network.

GSM is the fastest growing wireless telecommunications technology in the world and the dominant standard. Through the end of September, 2001, GSM accounted for 564.6 million subscribers worldwide. TDMA is the primary digital standard used in the U.S., with 81.3 million users.

Cingular's GAIT testing will continue through February 2002. The first market launches are planned for March 2002 and rollouts will continue through late 2002.

Cingular's push into 3G includes the world's first GAIT-compliant phone that will allow users to access GSM, TDMA and analog networks.

In keeping with GSM phone technologies, Cingular's GAIT phones will include a SIM card that can store all user information, including phone number, address book and SMS (short message system) messages, among other features.

Cingular said that the cross-technology (GSM to TDMA and TDMA to GSM) will provide users with advanced calling features, two-way text messaging and wireless Internet service.

"The GAIT technology will render the transition between technologies transparent to the customer," said Bill Clift, chief technology officer of Cingular. "GAIT enables a seamless service experience between GSM and TDMA markets, offering the customer an enhanced wireless experience."