From the stock floor to the top floor, Stan Sigman’s career in the telecommunications industry spanned more than four decades. In 1965, Stan joined Southwestern Bell Telephone in Hereford, Texas as a stockman and launched a career that saw many firsts. He was a visionary who helped the wireless industry grow up and develop into the $5 trillion digital economy it is today. Stan helped start SBC’s wireless business in the mid-1980s, managed its expansion into one of the largest wireless businesses in the nation, and directed its integration into BellSouth’s wireless group to form Cingular in 2001.
As Cingular’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Stan orchestrated the 2004 purchase of AT&T Wireless Services and formed the partnership with Steve Jobs and Apple that introduced the legendary iPhone. Stan retired as Chief Executive Officer of AT&T Mobility in 2007.
Long considered a champion for wireless safety and technology, Stan was chairman of the board of directors of the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA). The CTIA is the international organization representing all sectors of wireless communications—cellular, personal communication services, and enhanced specialized mobile radio.
He served as an Advisor to President George W. Bush as a member of the President’s National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee and to the Georgia Research Advisory Board and the Georgia Institute of Technology Advisory Board. Stan was a member of Atlanta Alexis de Tocqueville Society recognizing his service and commitment to the United Way.
Stan earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from West Texas State University in Canyon, Texas, in 1970. Born in Lubbock, Texas, Stan always considered Hereford, Texas, his hometown. Stan’s passion and keen business acumen were directed into his Namgis Quarter Horses business, which developed premium Calf Roping Horses and Barrel Racing Horses for the American Quarter Horse industry at his state-of-the-art breeding and training facility in Hondo, Texas.
As he was being inducted into the Wireless Hall of Fame in 2010, Steve Jobs attended the reception at the Hall of Fame awards dinner in San Francisco to show support for his friend Stan. Stanley T. Sigman passed away December 21, 2020.
Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.