NATCHEZ &045; Cingular cell phone users who’ve noticed improved coverage on the south side of the city weren’t imagining it.

A new cell site was activated on June 29 as a part of the company’s coverage expansion in the state of Mississippi. The site equipment is on a city owned water tower near the U.S. 84 and Lower Woodville Road intersection.

Cingular is investing more than $85 million in its Mississippi network this year, including 35 new sites. Cingular and AT&T wireless networks are integrating.

&uot;Cingular is committed to delivering best-in-class coverage, call quality and the industry’s greates overall customer experience,&uot; company vice president Joe Larussa said. &uot;This investment demonstrates that commitment, and we look forward to providing all customers in Mississippi with the very best in wireless voice and data services.&uot;

The company is adding 155 new sites in the Gulf States. So far, 18 Mississippi sites have been activated. Other areas to receive new sites include the Gulf Coast, Indianola, Okolona, Warren County, Hattiesburg, Rankin County, Itawamba County, Marion County, Jasper County, Lafayette County, Clarke County and Tupelo.

Because the Natchez site is on a water tower, the city can make decisions about letting other cell phone providers use the signal.