Cingular Wireless, SBC Communications, BellSouth Introduce Device For Routing Incoming Wireless Calls To Wireline Numbers

FastForward^TM Furthers Wireless-Wireline Integration Between Cingular And SBC Companies, Bellsouth

Cingular Wireless and its parent companies SBC Communications Inc. and BellSouth introduced FastForward^TM — one of the wireless industry's first devices to marry the convenience of wireless service with the value of a wireline phone. The patented FastForward device — which works exclusively with Cingular Wireless service — will be available beginning October 1.

This unique device — designed as a cradle to hold a wireless phone — simply plugs into an electrical outlet. When the Cingular Wireless phone is "cradled," calls to the wireless phone are forwarded to a designated landline phone, while the wireless phone's battery is automatically re-charged. Cingular customers with a FastForward device can get unlimited incoming wireless calls (minutes) forwarded to their landline phone in the local calling area — without the minutes counting against their monthly wireless calling plan for just $2.99 per month plus the cost of the device.

The service is free to SBC residential local phone company customers who receive a single bill for Cingular wireless and landline services.