Cellular South Unveils Much-Anticipated Android™ 2.1 Software Update for HTC Hero™ Advanced Touchscreen Smartphone

RIDGELAND, Miss.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cellular South, the nation’s largest privately held wireless communications provider, announced the release today of the Android™ 2.1 mobile operating system software update for its popular HTC Hero™ advanced touchscreen smartphone.

“Customers are saving thousands of dollars a year with our Smartphone Unlimited Plan compared to other leading competitor plans”

Customers are receiving e-mails and other communication from Cellular South with download instructions for the new HTC Hero software update. Also, printed and video step-by-step instructions on how to perform the download and a link to the software update are available on the company’s website at www.cellularsouth.com/DiscoverCenter/phones-apps/newphone.jsp?id=210004.

Cellular South was one of the first U.S. carriers to introduce an Andriod™-powered smartphone with the launch of the HTC Hero last November. The device already has become the company’s most popular smartphone. “We’re excited about this new software update for HTC Hero owners,” said Kevin Hankins, chief operating officer for Cellular South. “The update is loaded with a wide array of enhancements, updates and improvements to features and applications that make it an even more powerful and versatile advanced touchscreen smartphone device.”

Among the enhancements featured in the 2.1 software update:

Google™ Maps with Navigation, a free, voice-aided, turn-by-turn navigation application
Download books directly to your device and save your place with new Kindle for Android application
Pinch to zoom gesture support for the Gallery and Google™ Maps
Leap thumbnail views with pinch gesture support
New enhanced graphical Android Market with access to over 66,000 applications
Simultaneous log on to multiple Google e-mail accounts
Intelligent desk clock screen dimmer and current time display while charging device
Location-based, full screen, real-time weather animation
Integrated Yahoo! Mail™ account support
Improved YouTube™ video playback
Bluetooth contact transfer support
Improved battery life with power meter and savings features
Improved search across entire phone contents in one place
Voice dialing and voice commands
Dozens of new preloaded Android and HTC widgets
Active call screen with speakerphone and mute buttons on screen
Digital camera enhancements, including ability to touch area for auto white balance and auto focus
Dictionary management so users can add, delete and edit custom words used for messages and typing
Enhanced secure connectivity options for Wi-Fi and VPN
Updated graphical icons throughout the phone

With the enhancements and new features in the Android 2.1 software update, Hankins said customers can expect improved performance from their HTC Hero. “This is the most comprehensive software update for Android smartphones yet and we fully expect users to quickly embrace all of the new features and functionality offered through this upgrade,” he said.

Coupled with Cellular South’s Smartphone Unlimited Plan, the best value for smartphones and the only one of its kind in the wireless industry, the enhanced user experience with the HTC Hero is now more accessible to individuals, families and businesses than ever before. For only $59.98 a month per line for two lines, customers can talk, text, access the mobile web and e-mail without worrying about counting minutes, megabytes or surprise bills.

“Customers are saving thousands of dollars a year with our Smartphone Unlimited Plan compared to other leading competitor plans,” Hankins said. “We have broken down the barriers to having full access to the richest and simplest wireless experience – our value proposition is unmatched in the industry today.”

The device also takes full advantage of Cellular South’s advanced 3G high-speed mobile broadband data network, the best in the industry. With better coverage, fewer dropped calls and more 3G high-speed data services than its competitors, Cellular South offers the best mobile broadband experience in the wireless industry for smartphone customers. “Our customers know they are going to get the most out of their Android-powered device with our superior 3G network and unique mobile Discover Center accessibility,” Hankins said.

Android, Google, Google Maps, YouTube and Android Market are trademarks of Google, Inc. HTC Hero is a trademark of HTC Corporation.

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 carrier accomplishes this goal by providing the most reliable and advanced 3G nationwide wireless voice and data network, offering industry-leading smartphone devices and accessible flat rate plans, and through its online and in-store Discover Centers, which give customers easy, simple and convenient tools, tips, advice and information to get the most out of their mobile phone. For more information about Cellular South and its products and services, as well as its ground-breaking Cellular South Original user generated programming, visit www.cellularsouth.com. This news release and other announcements are available at http://www.cellularsouth.com/news/.