Cingular Wireless introduces its first UMTS/HSDPA-enabled PDA in North America -- the Cingular 8525 Pocket PC.

Cingular's UMTS/HSDPA-enabled BroadbandConnect service is currently available in the U.S. in 134 markets with populations of more than 100,000 surrounding more than 50 major metropolitan cities. BroadbandConnect provides average downlink data speeds between 400-700Kbps (kilobits per second) with uplink speeds to 384Kbps. When traveling outside the BroadbandConnect coverage area, the Cingular 8525 seamlessly enables service on Cingular's EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution) network.

"The Cingular 8525 Pocket PC breaks new ground in wireless broadband connectivity in North America," said Kent Mathy, president Cingular Wireless' B2B organization, the Business Markets Group. "Not only is the Cingular 8525 the first UMTS/HSDPA-enabled PDA to launch on the continent, it is the only PDA or Smartphone on the American market today to give users wireless 3G capabilities both in the U.S. and in dozens of countries abroad. That translates into a tremendous advantage for the business customer in this global economy."

Additionally, the Cingular 8525 includes the Messaging and Security Feature Pack for Windows Mobile 5.0, providing users with the benefit of Direct Push Technology. This means that e-mail, calendar, tasks and contacts are always-up-to-date making it very easy for users to stay on top of their jobs and connected to the people they care about. The feature pack also provides advanced security features, including remote device wipe, remotely enforced IT policy and S/MIME support.

In addition to connectivity to Cingular's UMTS/HSDPA- based BroadbandConnect service, the Cingular 8525 provides users with seamless access to integrated Wi-Fi (802.11 b and g), Bluetooth 2.0, and infrared. The Cingular 8525 will also debut with the company's first generally available, location-based solution -- TeleNav GPS Navigator from TeleNav. With TeleNav GPS Navigator, Cingular 8525 users now can get turn-by-turn voice and on-screen directions directly on their device for use when driving or walking.

Thanks to the Cingular 8525's UMTS/HSDPA backbone, Cingular business and consumer users have the ability to perform voice and data functions simultaneously when using the device. For example, Cingular customers can use the device as a wireless broadband modem tethered to their PC to download e- mail or other information, or surf the Web and simultaneously make or receive a mobile phone call. No other 3G wireless provider in the U.S. can provide that capability. The Cingular 8525 also comes equipped with a 2-megapixel digital camera and video recorder for sharper photos and video.

The Cingular 8525 Pocket PC will be available exclusively from Cingular for $399.99 beginning Thursday, November 16.