ATLANTA, June 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- SouthernLINC Wireless, a Southern Company (NYSE: SO), is now offering Motorola i475 and Motorola i420 phone models to its subscribers.

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Using Motorola's Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN) technology that offers immediate, private communications, SouthernLINC Wireless combines Push To Talk two-way radio (PTT), cellular service, mobile Web access, and text and picture messaging into one, hand-held device.

Both new phones feature an integrated FM radio with automatic and manual station preset capabilities and the option to listen either via speaker or headphones.

"The Motorola i475 and i420 are the first handsets available from SouthernLINC Wireless to incorporate an FM radio," said Rodney Johnson, vice president of sales and distribution for SouthernLINC Wireless. "Now, SouthernLINC Wireless customers can listen to their favorite music, sports or news stations in private using earbuds, or they can turn on the speaker to enjoy the radio with others."

Weighing in at a mere 3.5 ounces, the Motorola i475 is a candy-bar-style phone that features a 2.0-inch color display, threaded text messaging, multimedia messaging and mobile Web accessibility. It also sports a full, QWERTY keypad with larger keys than similar phone models, which makes texting and POP3 or Internet emailing easy.

Like its predecessor, the Motorola Clutch™ i465, the Motorola i475 is ideal for Internet surfers and moderate-to-heavy texters who need a versatile, yet affordable, communications device.

"According to CTIA—The Wireless Association®, American wireless subscribers exchanged approximately 2.1 trillion text messages in 2010," Johnson noted. "That's one of the reasons why the i475 is such a great addition to the SouthernLINC Wireless product portfolio. Typing on the QWERTY keyboard is fast and uncomplicated, which makes it a perfect phone for teens and text-messaging enthusiasts."

The second new handset, the multi-functional Motorola i420, suits wireless users who want an uncomplicated phone for text and picture messaging as well as cellular and PTT calls. The i420 is a flip phone with a 1.8-inch internal display, external caller ID display, and a rear-facing speakerphone.

In addition, both the i420 and i475 are packed with features, including voice-activated dialing, Bluetooth® connectivity, an integrated VGA camera with digital zoom, GPS, Java and LINCaround™ off-network, PTT two-way radio capabilities. LINCaround allows users to manually transfer their phones to an off-network, two-way radio communication mode. Depending on site conditions, this function gives users in remote areas radio-to-radio PTT coverage within a six-mile radius.

Motorola i420 and Motorola i475 are now available at all SouthernLINC Wireless sales and service locations, through authorized SouthernLINC Wireless dealers, from SouthernLINC Wireless direct sales associates and online. Through Oct. 3, 2011, both phones are eligible for a $50 mail-in rebate with a two-year service agreement or qualified contract renewal and activation of a qualifying voice plan. Visit www.southernlinc.com/promodetails for offer terms and conditions. In-stock availability may vary by location.

About SouthernLINC Wireless

SouthernLINC Wireless, a Southern Company (NYSE: SO), is an Atlanta-based regional wireless carrier with network coverage in the major metro and rural areas of Alabama, Georgia, southeast Mississippi and northwest Florida. SouthernLINC Wireless combines multiple communication options, including Push To Talk two-way radio (PTT), cellular service, wireless Internet access, wireless data, and text and picture messaging, into one hand-held device. In addition to regional network coverage, the company offers nationwide access through roaming agreements for cellular, PTT, data, and text and picture messaging services in more than 540 cities throughout the U.S. For more information, please call 1-800-818-LINC (5462) or visit www.southernlinc.com.

About Southern Company

With 4.4 million customers and more than 42,000 megawatts of generating capacity, Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is the premier energy company serving the Southeast. A leading U.S. producer of electricity, Southern Company owns electric utilities in four states and a growing competitive generation company, as well as fiber optics and wireless communications. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and retail electric prices that are below the national average. Southern Company was named the World's Most Admired Electric and Gas Utility by Fortune magazine in 2011, and is consistently listed among the top U.S. electric service providers in customer satisfaction by the American Customer Satisfaction Index. Visit our website at www.southerncompany.com.

SOURCE SouthernLINC Wireless