By Mike Boyer
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Cincinnati Bell Inc. Tuesday formally launched its next-generation wireless service, allowing customers to add Internet browsing and e-mail access via their phones and take, send and receive photos.

Called Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications, the new service overlays the company's existing wireless network, which has more than 400,000 customers in Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio.

"Development and deployment of our next generation network is a critical step in the evolution of our business,'' Jack Cassidy, Bell's president and CEO, said.

Cincinnati Bell has spent about $30 million to upgrade its network to offer the new service, which will be highlighted in the company's advertising starting this week.

To tap into the new features, customers will have to purchase new GSM-capable phones, which start at $39.99. The company's voice rate plans remain the same. But the Internet, e-mail and other data features are available for additional fees, starting at $2.99 a month.

The good news for customers of Bell's existing wireless voice network is they don't have to buy new phones or services if they don't want to upgrade to the new service.