AT&T Expands 3G Mobile Broadband Across Middle Tennessee

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December 2, 2010
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AT&T Expands 3G Mobile Broadband Across Middle Tennessee

Local Wireless Network Upgrade Extends Access to Advanced Products, Services and Applications

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 2, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* today announced the completion of a key initiative in its ongoing efforts to expand the wireless capacity and performance of its 3G mobile broadband network throughout the Middle Tennessee area.

As part of its continuing network investment to support growing demand for advanced mobile devices and applications, AT&T announced the activation of 69 existing cell sites with 3G cell technology in Cheatham, Dickson, Lawrence, Maury, Rutherford, Williamson and Wilson counties. These new 3G sites will enhance wireless coverage for area residents and businesses. With AT&T mobile broadband speeds, customers can talk on their phones, surf the Web, download files faster, and enjoy the very latest interactive mobile applications all at the same time.

"This 3G service across Middle Tennessee will now keep our residents connected and assist with our economic development efforts," said Senator Bill Ketron. "When we invest in smart wireless networks, we bring the innovation that's needed to grow the economy and create jobs."

In just the first six months of this year, AT&T invested nearly $200 million in its wireless and wireline networks to continue improving service for customers in Tennessee. Upgrades to the AT&T wireless network included new cell sites, expanded mobile broadband coverage and increased 3G capacity.The investment also included upgrades to the AT&T wireline infrastructure, such as expanded AT&T U-verse® services, additional AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots, and extended reach of broadband services.

"Wireless broadband services are increasingly important for economic development, for quality of life and for security of our citizens," said Senator Jack Johnson. "Good public policy is critical for wireless broadband investment across Middle Tennessee."

Wireless data traffic on the AT&T network has grown more than 5,000 percent over the past three years, largely due to the increasing popularity of advanced smartphones and the performance of AT&T's 3G network. AT&T has the nation's fastest mobile broadband network.

"The expansion of mobile broadband service in these counties is part of AT&T's ongoing efforts to mobilize our way of life and deliver dependable, wireless coverage for consumers and business customers who need to stay connected," said Gregg Morton, president, AT&T Tennessee. "Our investments throughout Tennessee will help us ensure that our customers have access to the wireless services that help drive economic growth."

AT&T is an industry leader in delivering the benefits of mobile broadband networks, devices and applications. With the nation's fastest 3G network, AT&Tprovides accelerated mobile data speeds and simultaneous voice and data capabilities for an amazing wireless voice and data experience.

The expansion of mobile broadband service is one of many ongoing network initiatives planned to enhance coverage and capacity across the country. AT&T recently upgraded 3G cell sites nationwide to High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2.  Future plans include another upgrade to HSPA+ technology at the end of this year followed by the initial deployment next year of LTE, the next-generation of wireless technology. These advancements, when combined with an ongoing initiative to increase the number of high-speed backhaul connections to cell sites, are a part of AT&T's strategy to provide customers with an enhanced mobile broadband experience, both today and in the future.

"We are fortunate to have a leader like Senator Ketron who works to create a pro-business environment for our area, one that attracts investment and encourages the ongoing improvement of our telecommunications networks," said Maury County Mayor Jim Bailey.

"Thanks to the leadership of Senator Jack Johnson, Middle Tennessee is a place where companies seek to locate and expand their operations," said Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson. "He is someone who understands the public policy environment that is necessary to make these investments, and I am thrilled to see the launch of 3G services here."

AT&T's 3G mobile broadband network is based on the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) family of technologies that includes GSM and UMTS, the most widely used wireless network platforms in the world. AT&T has the best international coverage of any U.S. wireless provider, providing access to voice service in more than 220 countries and data service in 200 countries. AT&T also offers voice and data roaming coverage on more than 140 major cruise ships, as well as 3G services in more than 125 countries.

AT&T also owns and operates the nation's largest Wi-Fi network** with more than 23,000 hotspots in the U.S. and provides access to more than 125,000 hotspots globally through roaming agreements. Most AT&T smartphone customers get access to our U.S. Wi-Fi network at no additional cost, and Wi-Fi usage doesn't count against customers' monthly data plans.

For more information about AT&T's 3G coverage in Tennessee or anywhere in the United States, consumers can visit the AT&T Coverage Viewer. Using the online tool, AT&T customers can measure coverage quality from a street address, intersection, ZIP code or even a landmark.

For updates on the AT&T wireless network, please visit the AT&T network news page.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

** Largest based on company branded and operated hotspots. Access includes AT&T Wi-Fi Basic.  A Wi-Fi enabled device required. Other restrictions apply. See http://www.attwifi.com for details and locations.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates - AT&T operating companies - are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE®magazine.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT. Find us on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at http://www.Facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services.

© 2010 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this press release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

SOURCE  AT&T Inc.

AT&T Inc.

CONTACT: Cathy Lewandowski of AT&T Corporate Communications, Office, +1-615-214-5874, Cell, +1-615-804-6241, cathy.lewandowski@att.com

Web Site: http://www.att.com

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