As a leading full service wireless communications provider, the Dobson Communications Corporation offers a digital service, using the global system for mobile communications (GSM)/a general packet radio service/enhanced data for the GSM evolution digital standard and the time division/demand multiple access digital standard in its wireless markets. The company presents a wide range of features: voice mail, call forwarding, call waiting, three-way calling, no answer transfer, caller ID, message waiting indicator, sleep mode for longer battery life, voice-activated dialing, and a mobile originated and mobile terminated short message service. The largest rural full service wireless communications provider also provides advanced wireless data services, which enable its subscribers to access the Internet, to send and receive pictures and video, and to download games and music.
Providing rural cellular telephone services of high quality, the Dobson Communications Corporation cooperated with other providers, thus, enabling its customers to communicate as much as they want and wherever they want.
In 2002-2003, the full service wireless communications provider Dobson Communications and American Cellular signed long-term GSM/GPRS roaming agreements with AT&T Wireless (NYSE:AWE) and Cingular Wireless. AT&T Wireless and Cingular together provided approximately ninety percent of the roaming minutes on Dobson's and American Cellular's nationwide networks.
In 2003-2004, the Dobson Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DCEL) and American Cellular Corporation overlaid the GSM/GPRS (Global System for Mobile Communications/General Packet Radio Service) technology throughout their TDMA networks. With the deployment of the GSM technology, Dobson has once again set itself apart from the competition by offering rate plans that grant the consumer wider calling areas, more minutes and low monthly charges.
In June, 2005, the full service wireless communications provider Dobson Communications Corporation announced that its subsidiaries, Dobson Cellular Systems, Inc. and the American Cellular Corporation completed the sale of five hundred and seven cellular towers to Global Tower Partners of Boca Raton, FL, for seventy seven million dollars.
Under the completed sale, Dobson Cellular Systems and American Cellular received correspondingly forty six million dollars for three hundred and twenty three cell towers and almost thirty one million dollars for hundred and eighty four cell towers. Dobson, American Cellular and Global Tower Partners signed ten-year lease agreements for the towers, with three five-year lease renewal options. The terms of the lease agreement were not disclosed.
Recognizing the fact that community involvement plays an important role in the continued success of any organization, the Dobson Communications Corporation seeks out and supports programs, projects and initiatives that make the cities, towns and communities they serve better places to live and work. The company's community focus is centred on three key areas: local market initiatives, industry relations and corporate development.