Sprint and America Online Launch AOL Mail and AOL Instant Messenger Service 'AIM' on PCS Vision Phones

Business Wire, July 30, 2003

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. & DULLES, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 30, 2003

AOL Members, AIM Users Can Access Email and Instant Messages on Sprint's Newest Phones Via the Largest Nationwide Digital Network

Sprint (NYSE: FON, PCS) and America Online, Inc., the world's leading interactive services company, today announced the availability of AOL(R) Mail and AOL(R) Instant Messenger(TM) service (AIM(R)) on PCS Vision Phones nationwide. Now millions of AOL members and AIM users can fully manage their AOL Mail in addition to sending and receiving instant messages directly from their PCS Vision Phones. This launch extends the relationship between the two companies, which dates back to February 2000 when Sprint became the first provider to launch AOL services across a wireless network.

With the launch, PCS Vision customers don't have to be tied to the computer to connect to their AOL Mail or AOL Buddy List(R) as Sprint and America Online are bringing leading online communication features to PCS Vision Phones. Sprint and AOL have been working closely together for the past three years to bring internet-based wireless content and services to mobile phone users nationwide.

"Communication is the number one reason people own a PCS Phone. The addition of AOL tools to PCS Vision services now makes it even easier for Sprint customers to communicate wirelessly via email or instant messaging," said Chip Novick, vice president of consumer marketing for the PCS Division of Sprint. "These new interactive services, available nationwide, let customers move their online world in-hand and remain connected while away from the computer."

"With the availability of AOL Mail and AIM on PCS Vision Phones, AOL members and AIM users with these next generation phones will never have to worry about missing an important email or IM while on the go," said Bill Schwebel, Vice President and General Manager of AOL Wireless. "We are excited to be extending our partnership with Sprint, and ensuring that as mobile services evolve, we are able to provide AOL members and AIM users with added services that extend the reach of the Internet."

By using any of more than eight models of Internet-ready PCS Vision phones, AOL members across the country will experience the best of interactive content with the best of wireless communications virtually anywhere, anytime on the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS wireless network. AOL members can also use any of the additional four Sprint PDA phones to access AOL services and content.

PCS Vision from Sprint includes services that allow customers to take and receive pictures from select PCS Phones; browse the Internet at speeds faster than most dial-up connections; check personal and corporate e-mail; watch clips and stream audio for news and music; download polyphonic, animated and voice ringers, and full-color, graphically-rich games and screen savers, all on the enhanced Nationwide PCS Network.

The PCS Vision Premium Pack is available for $15 a month. This includes unlimited access to the PCS Vision Web, unlimited text messaging and $10 per month in premium applications such as games, ringers and screensavers.

About Sprint

Sprint is a global integrated communications provider serving more than 26 million customers in over 100 countries. With approximately 70,000 employees worldwide and nearly $27 billion in annual revenues, Sprint is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying state-of-the-art network technologies, including the United States' first nationwide all-digital, fiber-optic network and an award-winning Tier 1 Internet backbone. Sprint provides local voice and data services in 18 states and operates the largest 100-percent digital, nationwide PCS wireless network in the United States. For more information, visit www.sprint.com.

About America Online, Inc.

America Online, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of AOL 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.