Cox Communications has just launched their own wireless service, simply called “Cox Wireless.” Back in May we saw an HTC Hero with Cox service and we assumed since it was fairly outdated that it was just a test device.

It looks like the HTC Hero has hung in there as Cox Wireless has launched in the following three markets:

• Orange County, Calif.
• Omaha, Neb.
• Hampton Roads, Va.

With these new markets, the Android handsets that Cox has made available are the HTC Hero and the HTC Desire. We all know that the HTC Hero is outdated, but the HTC Desire still has the specs to impress since it is pretty much the HTC Sense UI version of the Google Nexus One.

Cox Wireless is running voice plans starting at $39.99/mo. and unlimited data plans at $30/mo. and if you’re in the market to switch over to Cox Wireless, you can pick up the HTC Desire for $69.99 with 2-year contract and $100 rebate and the HTC Hero will run you $49.99 after 2-year contract and rebate. Is anyone planning on making the switch?

Check out the full press release below.

Cox Communications Announces Hampton Roads, Omaha and Orange County as First Wireless Markets

ATLANTA – Cox Communications, Inc. announced today that it is first introducing its new wireless phone and mobile high speed Internet services in Hampton Roads, Va., Omaha, Neb.; and Orange County, Calif. Today’s announcement continues the company’s long history of introducing competitive telecommunications services to the marketplace.

Cox was the first cable company to begin offering traditional landline telephone services in 1997 and Cox customers were among the first in the nation to enjoy a competitive choice among providers. Today, Cox is the number one phone company in many markets it serves.  In September, Cox received highest honors in J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Residential Telephone Customer Satisfaction Study^SM in the East and West, marking the seventh consecutive honor in the West.

Cox is now also the first U.S. cable company to launch fully-integrated wireless phone and mobile high speed Internet services. To celebrate Cox’s landmark entry to the wireless business, Cox is donating brand new computer technology centers, valued at $25,000 each to a local Boys & Girls Club in Hampton Roads, Omaha and Orange County. The local Centers will include new computers, access to Cox High-Speed Internet and education about the safe and responsible use of digital technology. The Boys & Girls Clubs were selected to receive this donation because of their great need for advanced technology and because of their commitment to enriching the lives of young people, a commitment Cox shares.

“More than forty percent of our residential customers trust us to be their telephone service provider and two-thirds of our subscribers take all three of our existing services. Our customers have asked us to include wireless services as part of their bundle and we’ve listened,” said Pat Esser, president of Cox Communications. “We’re excited to let consumers know that they will soon have a better choice for wireless service. We’ve carefully considered the unmet needs of wireless customers and we’ll be delivering a service that is uniquely Cox to address those needs.”

Cox’s wireless service launched to a test group of Cox customers in the first three markets, and the company will expand the service across Hampton Roads, Omaha and Orange County in 2010. While Cox is initially offering an integrated wireless service to residential customers, it will deliver business class services to Cox Business customers in the future. Cox will also be introducing a new retail experience in Hampton Roads, Omaha and Orange County and is increasing its commercial space presence significantly. Over time, the company estimates it will grow its workforce in these markets by about 20 percent throughout its retail locations.

Cox is encouraging consumers to tell the company what they’d like to change about their current wireless services by visitinghttp://budurl.com/FBWirelessBoard.

About Cox Communications:

Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet, telephone and wireless services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves 6.2 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising. Cox Communications wholly owns and operates Travel Channel. Cox is known for pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For six years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunication; for four years, Cox has ranked among DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity; and the company holds a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.