T-Mobile Signs American GSM Roaming Agreement

Dobson Communications Corp. has signed a three-year, nationwide GSM/GPRS roaming agreement with T-Mobile, USA that will provide the companies with access to one another's wireless networks throughout the United States.

Dobson Communications provides wireless phone services to rural and suburban markets in 16 states. The Company's networks primarily use TDMA digital technology in the 850 MHz spectrum band, but it also offers 1900 MHz service in parts of Oklahoma and Kansas. Dobson is overlaying its TDMA network with GSM/GPRS technology.

Dobson subscribers will be able to roam on T-Mobile's network using multi-band GSM/GPRS handsets that Dobson plans to launch in select retail markets later this year. These multi-band wireless phones and other devices are compatible with both the 1900 MHz and 850 MHz frequencies that are used in the United States. Some multi-band handsets are also compatible with additional GSM/GPRS frequencies that are used in Europe, Asia and elsewhere in the world.

"This agreement is another step that will enable our wireless customers to roam effortlessly throughout the United States, and eventually worldwide," said Everett Dobson, chairman and chief executive officer of Dobson Communications. "Dobson is rapidly deploying GSM/GPRS technology throughout its networks and looks forward to the new customer services and functionality that this 2.5-generation technology will support."

Posted to the site on 22nd August 2003