Cellular South to Offer Android Smartphone This Year

Cellular South to be one of the first wireless carriers in US to offer a device based on the Android platform

RIDGELAND, Miss., July 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Cellular South, a leader in wireless solutions and innovation and the nation's largest privately owned wireless communications provider, today announced plans to bring a smartphone to market later this year based on the Android open source mobile platform.

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With introduction of the advanced device, Cellular South will be among the first wireless carriers in the nation to offer a smartphone featuring the latest Android open source platform developed by the Open Handset Alliance(TM), according to Kevin Hankins, chief operating officer for Cellular South. The Open Handset Alliance is a partnership of more than 40 global mobile industry leaders.

"We're excited to provide our customers with the diversity of new and exciting applications fueled by the open nature of the Android open source platform," Hankins said. "Our customers will be able to easily access thousands of meaningful applications that will add tremendous value to their mobile experience and lifestyle."

Android-powered devices are one of the fastest growing sectors in the wireless industry with worldwide sales expected to soon eclipse the most popular smartphones on the market today, including the Apple iPhone(TM), according to a March 2009 report by Informa Telecoms and Media, a London-based research house specializing in the mobile, broadband and television industries. In 2009 alone, the Android mobile operating system is expected to see a growth rate of 900 percent, according to a May 2009 report on the worldwide smartphone market by Strategy Analytics, a Newton, Maine-based global research and consulting firm.

With its free licensing model, an open source mobile platform structure and an advanced web browser, Android is poised to emerge as a must-have device for consumers, according to Neil Mawston, director at Strategy Analytics. "Android has fast been winning healthy support among operators, vendors and developers," he said. "Android is now in good position to become a top-tier player in smartphones over the next two to three years."

"The wireless industry continues to grow and change. Smartphones are the next battleground and Android intends to play a part in that growth," said Jeff Kagan, an Atlanta-based wireless communications industry analyst. "With more carriers like Cellular South choosing to launch new smartphones with the open source Android operating platform, this could signal a major leap forward for Android in its efforts to become an important force in the wireless industry."

Cellular South already offers its consumer and business customers several choices of smartphones and touchscreen devices, but Hankins said Android offers the opportunity to add a flexible smartphone to its portfolio that offers a unique, customer-driven experience on a revolutionary mobile device.

The Android device also will come with full support from Cellular South's industry-leading online and in-store Discover Center, which helps customers get the most out of their devices and services. "At Cellular South, we do things a little differently," Hankins said. "We take a very proactive approach in helping our customers maximize their wireless experience by becoming proficient users of our advanced services."

Cellular South expects to release more details on the new Android smartphone device soon, including the introduction date, pricing, manufacturer, model and other product features.

Android and Open Handset Alliance are trademarks of Google, Inc. Apple and iPhone are trademarks of Apple, Inc.

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 communications provider accomplishes this goal by providing the most reliable and advanced 3G nationwide wireless 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 on how to get the most out of their mobile phone. For more information, visit www.cellularsouth.com.

Additional information about Cellular South, Inc. and its products and services is available at http://www.cellularsouth.com. This Cellular South news release and other announcements are available at http://www.cellularsouth.com/news/. Or follow our news on Twitter at http://twitter.com/cellularsouth. Find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ridgeland-MS/Cellular-South/39645673822 to learn more about our wireless services.