GTE activates its first PCS wireless network in Cincinnati

CINCINNATI -- GTE today announced that it has activated its first personal

communications services (PCS) wireless network in the Cincinnati Major Trading

Area (MTA) covering greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. The newly

constructed 1.9 GHz all-digital network provides the next generation of wireless

communications services for customers area wide.

"GTE's first PCS digital network is also the first to serve the people of

Greater Cincinnati," said Mark Feighner, president of GTE Wireless. "As one of

the country's leading wireless providers, our goals are to be the easiest

telecommunications company to do business with and to be a one-stop source for a

full range of telecommunications products and services."

In addition to digital wireless products and services, GTE's five retail

outlets and two kiosks in Cincinnati will carry a variety of other

telecommunications offerings including the company's Internet access and

wireline long-distance services.

GTE's digital wireless PCS service uses code division multiple access (CDMA)

technology featuring enhanced voice clarity, virtually static-free operation,

enhanced call privacy and security, and longer handset battery life. Several

calling plans are available, all without a contract or long-term commitment.

GTE was awarded its Cincinnati-area wireless operating license through an

FCC auction conducted in 1995. The company is also constructing digital

wireless PCS networks in Seattle and Spokane, Wash. Both these markets are

scheduled to be activated by the end of the first quarter of 1997.

Cincinnati network construction began in November 1995. During

construction, Cincinnati Mayor Roxanne Qualls made the first PCS test call from

her office on Oct. 28, 1996.

In addition to opening its new digital wireless PCS markets, GTE also plans

to upgrade its existing cellular networks nationwide to digital operation by the

end of 1997. GTE's digital-cellular networks also use CDMA technology.

GTE is one of the largest publicly held telecommunications companies in the

world. Within the United States, GTE has wireline and wireless operations that

form a market area covering about one third of the country's population. In its

wireless operations, GTE provides products and services to more than 3.7 million

customers in 73 metropolitan and 52 rural markets nationwide.

# # #

17(97)

Additional information about GTE can be found on the Internet at GTE