NEW ORLEANS, March 13 /PRNewswire/ -- People affected by Hurricane Katrina now have an additional three months -- until June 1, 2006 -- to apply for free wireless phones and service with Cingular Wireless.

Cingular is participating in a temporary program established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to assist Hurricane Katrina victims with their communications needs. Because many Hurricane Katrina victims remain displaced, the FCC has decided to extend the program by three months.

"Cingular stands ready to serve additional consumers through the Katrina Lifeline Program," said Joe Larussa, vice president and general manager for Cingular's Louisiana/Mississippi/Alabama/NW Florida region. "Consumers should know that the application process is straightforward, and the program has been working well."

Consumers who are eligible for Cingular's Hurricane Katrina Lifeline Package have several options:

• Those who are not current Cingular customers may receive a new Nokia 6010 phone for free along with a $76    credit (more than 300 minutes of airtime) for GoPhone pay-as-you-go service.
• Current Cingular subscribers may choose one of the following: a $130 credit towards an existing postpaid single line or Family Talk account;a $130 credit towards GoPhone pay-as-you-go service; or a new Nokia 6010 phone for free along with a $76 credit for GoPhone pay-as-you-go service.Participating consumers do not need to make a contractual commitment to Cingular, and they may purchase additional minutes of use at their discretion.

To qualify for Cingular's Hurricane Katrina Lifeline Package, consumers must meet eligibility requirements established by the FCC. In brief:

• Individuals must be designated as eligible or approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to receive individual housing assistance related to Hurricane Katrina without a requirement to repay;
• Individuals must have resided in specific counties or parishes within Alabama, Mississippi, or Louisiana at the time of Hurricane Katrina;
•  Individuals must be the head of household; and
• They must only receive one Lifeline package per household.

Additional information, including eligibility requirement details and an application, are available at cingular.com/katrina_lifeline. Applications may also be obtained and submitted at Cingular retail locations.