New Jersey picks Cingular

New Jersey has chosen Cingular Wireless as the primary provider of advanced wireless messaging services and devices for state employees.

Under the agreement, Cingular will provide wireless tools that include Research in Motion BlackBerries, along with other personal digital assistants and smart phones.

Cingular will also offer the state Wireless Priority Service, a service level created after the 2001 terrorist attacks that gives designated employees faster access to the wireless network in certain emergency situations.

The $2 million contract also permits local governments in New Jersey to buy products and services from Cingular under the terms of the state’s agreement.

Well-known as a provider of commercial and consumer wireless services, Cingular also has more than 1,200 federal, state and local government agencies as customers, according to the company.