OKLAHOMA CITY, Jan. 28, 2002, (PRIMEZONE) -- Dobson Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DCEL) today announced it will overlay GSM and GPRS in its owned and managed networks. Coinciding with this announcement, Dobson and Cingular Wireless agreed to a new 10-year roaming relationship that positions Dobson and Cingular to increase roaming traffic on one another's networks for the long-term.
Dobson's technology decision follows that of its two largest roaming partners, AT&T Wireless (NYSE:AWE) and Cingular, which previously chose GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) voice and GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) high-speed data transport as the platform for their next-generation services.
Cingular currently is the second largest roaming partner in Dobson's 100% TDMA digital network. Dobson provides wireless service to Cingular customers when they travel in Dobson markets.
"We're extremely pleased with the strengthening of our relationship with Cingular, and, at the same time, our choice to overlay the world's most popular wireless platform on the Dobson network," said Everett Dobson, chairman and chief executive officer. "Our commitment to GSM/GPRS is consistent with Dobson's strategy to complement the technology, services and functionality offered by our major roaming partners.
"Three of the six largest U.S. wireless providers have committed to GSM and GPRS as their technology platform in the United States," he said. "With the completion of our overlay, Dobson will be able to provide GSM coverage to a population of more than 10 million that currently are not covered by GSM service. Finally, this sets the stage for a natural evolution to EDGE and ultimately to 3G services, in line with the strategies of our key roaming partners."
Dobson Communications is a leading provider of wireless phone services to rural markets in the United States. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, the rapidly growing Company owns or manages wireless operations in 19 states. Dobson and American Cellular, which is half-owned by Dobson, have announced plans to sell five properties to Verizon Wireless, after which Dobson will offer wireless service in 17 states. For additional information on the Company and its operations, please visit its Website at www.dobson.net.
This press release contains ``forward-looking statements'' within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's plans, intentions and expectations. Such statements are inherently subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These risks include increased levels of competition, restrictions on the Company's ability to finance its growth, any market changes that would significantly decrease consumer demand for wireless products, and other factors. A more extensive discussion of the risk factors that could impact these areas and the Company's overall business and financial performance can be found in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Given these concerns, investors and analysts should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.