CMVT Comverse Technology, Inc. (MM)

Mobile AOL(R) Instant Messenger(TM) (AIM(R)) Service Now Available to U.S. Cellular Customers U.S. Cellular Teams with America Online, Inc. and Comverse to Give Subscribers Ultimate User Experience NEW ORLEANS, March 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- U.S. Cellular, in conjunction with America Online, Inc., and Comverse, today launched an advanced version of the mobile AOL(R) Instant Messenger(TM) (AIM(R)) service developed specifically for U.S. Cellular subscribers. The mobile AIM(R) service allows U.S. Cellular customers who also are AOL(R) members or AIM(R) users to automatically send and receive instant messages from their cell phones when they are away from their computers. The service can be purchased through easyedge(SM), U.S. Cellular's wireless data service, for $2.99 per month, which includes unlimited messaging. "We are very excited to offer our customers the convenience of mobile instant messaging through AOL's popular AIM service," said Alan D. Ferber, vice president of marketing for U.S. Cellular. "Due to our close relationships with AOL and Comverse, we are able to offer our customers a familiar instant messaging experience on their wireless phone. This is a unique instant messaging service that truly provides an instantaneous exchange of messages just like desktop AIM." With mobile AIM, U.S. Cellular customers are able to send and receive instant messages, hold multiple instant messaging conversations, view, refresh and manage their Buddy List(R) feature, and even receive instant message notifications when the phone is closed. Customers also can change their AIM presence and availability status through their phones. "Mobile instant messaging has grown quickly to become a mainstream trend because life doesn't stop at the desktop," said Himesh Bhise, vice president and general manager, AOL Mobile, America Online, Inc. "We are extremely pleased that U.S. Cellular customers now can enjoy the AIM service on their cell phones to speed communications and stay in touch with friends and family." To provide customers with the ultimate mobile AIM(R) experience, U.S. Cellular selected Comverse's next-generation Mobile Instant Messaging solution (Mobile IM) as the platform to support its IP-based mobile AIM service. "Comverse's Mobile IM solution gives subscribers the ability to exchange instant messages with their IM buddies regardless of whether they are sitting at their PC or are on the go," said Ramesh Barasia, president of Comverse Americas. "The solution re-creates the desktop experience by providing a fun, colorful and user-friendly experience on the cell phone." The BREW-based mobile AIM(R) application is now available on U.S. Cellular handsets, including the LG VX 6000 and the Kyocera SoHo and Slider, models SE44 and SE47. The application will soon be available on additional handsets. With easyedge, customers can enjoy many easy-to-use applications that make daily life easier and more entertaining. Through the service, users can access a variety of applications such as AwayAuction(TM) for eBay, ESPN BottomLine, MapQuest(R) Mobile Powered by Vindigo, NASCAR.COM TO GO, Atari(R) Asteroids(R), and a huge library of ringtones. About U.S. Cellular Chicago-based U.S. Cellular Corporation (AMEX:USM) is a super-regional wireless company, serving more than 4.9 million customers in 148 markets in 25 states. With 2004 service revenues of $2.64 billion, U.S. Cellular maintains one of the industry's highest levels of customer satisfaction by emphasizing customer support, quality network coverage and comprehensive range of wireless products and services. The company is an active corporate citizen through charitable contributions, award-winning community relations programs and associate volunteer activities. For more information, visit http://www.uscellular.com/ . About Comverse Comverse, a unit of Comverse Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:CMVT), is the world's leading provider of software and systems enabling network-based multimedia enhanced communication services. These value-added enhanced services solutions, along with the company's real-time billing solutions, comprise the company's Total Communication(TM) portfolio. Comverse's Total Communication portfolio addresses four primary categories: call completion and call management solutions; advanced messaging for groups, communities and person-to-person communication; solutions and enablers for the management and delivery of data and content-based services; and real-time billing and account management solutions for dynamic service environments. Other Comverse Technology business units include: Verint Systems, a leading provider of analytic software-based solutions for communications interception, networked video security and business intelligence; and Ulticom, a leading provider of service enabling signaling software for wireline, wireless and Internet communications. Comverse Technology is an S&P 500 and NASDAQ-100 Index company. For additional information, visit the Comverse Web site at http://www.comverse.com/ or Comverse Technology's Web site at http://www.cmvt.com/ . About AOL Mobile As the world's leading interactive service company, America Online, Inc. is a leader in the mobile services arena. AOL Mobile is bringing community, convenience and communication to mobile users with an array of services supported by the top wireless carriers and device manufacturers. AOL Mobile makes it possible for members and Internet users alike to access their preferred content and services whenever and wherever they like, including the mobile AOL(R) Mail and AOL(R) Instant Messenger(TM) (AIM(R)) services. To learn more, go to http://www.aolmobile.com/ . About America Online, Inc. America Online, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. Based in Dulles, Virginia, America Online is the world's leader in interactive services, Web brands, Internet technologies and e-commerce services. DATASOURCE: U.S. Cellular CONTACT: Matthew Tiefenbrun of U.S. Cellular, +1-773-392-7801, , or Jenny J. Song of America Online, Inc., +1-703-265-6505, , or Penny Blaisdell of Comverse, +1-781-224-8612, Web site: http://www.uscellular.com/ http://www.comverse.com/ http://www.cmvt.com/ http://www.aolmobile.com/

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