Cingular delays GPRS rollout

Cingular Wireless confirmed today it would delay releasing GPRS advanced wireless services in its California and Nevada markets until later this summer, but added that the setback would not impact negatively on the company.

The services were originally slated for debut this month. A Cingular spokesman said the company would use the extra time to ensure the next-generation technology satisfies the growing number of mobile users.

“The last thing you want is to go out there with a product that is not going to meet customer expectations,” he said. “We’d much rather do it right and move ahead.”

Cingular still plans its GPRS rollout in its Seattle market for this month. Fewer problems exist as a result of that market’s network conversion to GSM in March and more manageable wireless traffic, he said.