Q: A month ago , the Commerce Department estimated that GDP had grown at a 7.2 percent rate in the third quarter .

A month ago , the Commerce Department said GDP grew at a 7.2 percent rate .

Please tell me if the sentences above mean the same.
A: yes
Q: Cisco has signed similar deals with AT & T Corp. T.N , SBC Communications Inc . SBC.N and Sprint Corp. FON.N .

Cisco has similar relationships with BellSouth competitors SBC Communications , AT & T and Sprint Communications .

Please tell me if the sentences above mean the same.
A: yes
Q: " 30 years waiting for you , " read one banner hoisted over the crowd , as many wept tears of happiness at finally seeing and hearing their idol .

" 30 years waiting for you , " read one banner hoisted over the crowd , as many concert-goers wept tears of happiness .

Please tell me if the sentences above mean the same.
A:
yes