Turning Up the Volume

RadioShack Corp., one of the nation's largest consumer electronics specialty retailer, and Cingular Wireless (Atlanta) have entered into a 10-year distribution agreement that will give Cingular more than 5000 new sales outlets across the U.S. This agreement also will make RadioShack Cingular's single largest distribution outlet.

Cingular, a joint venture between SBC Communications Inc. and BellSouth Corp., will sell its full line of post-paid products and GoPhone pre-paid products through RadioShack stores beginning in the first quarter of 2006. Cingular is the nation's largest wireless company, with more than 51.6 million customers.

“Today's agreement with RadioShack builds on Cingular's already-strong distribution system,” said Cingular president and ceo Stan Sigman. “RadioShack brings a nationwide network of stores and a team of knowledgeable and helpful salespeople with an unparalleled understanding of wireless products. Cingular is looking forward to leveraging these new sales channels to grow our business and serve our customers.”

Cingular operates 2300 company-owned stores and kiosks and sells its postpaid products in 5100 other national retail stores. The company is also represented in 15,000 authorized agent locations.

The two companies are also exploring other distribution opportunities in the future. “Cingular's compelling products and services — from the Razr to the GoPhone — soon will be available to a savvy consumer base through our partners at RadioShack,” said Cingular coo Ralph de la Vega. “We are excited to bring consumers the widest possible choice in places to buy Cingular service.”