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AT&T Investment in Indiana Network Aimed at Enhancing Mobile Broadband Service Across the State
Plans Call for Upgrading More than 160 Sites to 3G and Adding Eight New Cell Sites
SOUTH BEND, Ind., March 25 -- AT&T* today unveiled its Indiana wireless network investment plans for 2010, which include upgrading more than 160 cell sites to 3G throughout the state and the addition of eight cell sites to provide customers with an improved experience and increased wireless footprint in Indiana.
More than 75 of the cell sites being upgraded this year are a result of AT&T transitioning 200 former Centennial sites to the AT&T network. As the Centennial network assets are integrated throughout 2010, 3G mobile broadband service and additional 850 MHz spectrum will become available in new markets, helping AT&T meet its goals of providing faster speeds and better in-building coverage.
"Investment in the state's broadband networks is critical to keeping Indiana competitive and providing our citizens with the best technology," said Sen. Ryan Mishler. "More consumers are depending on wireless technology to access the Internet and this will help them stay connected."
Today's announcement is part of AT&T's ongoing investment following passage of the Telecom and Video Reform Act (HEA 1279) that was signed into law by Gov. Mitch Daniels in 2006. From 2006 through 2009, AT&T's total capital investment in its Indiana wireless and wireline networks was more than $1.3 billion. From 2006 through 2009, AT&T's wireless network investment in Indiana was nearly $300 million. Last year, AT&T added more than 20 new cell sites across the state and upgraded more than 80 existing sites to 3G.
The planned wireless network enhancement strategy is part of AT&T's 2010 wireline and wireless capital investment, which is expected to be in the $18 billion to $19 billion range companywide, an increase of between 5 and 10 percent over 2009. This planned amount also includes an increase of about $2 billion in capital expenditures for wireless and backhaul related to AT&T's wireless network. This planned level of investment is framed by the expectation that regulatory and legislative decisions relating to the telecom sector will continue to be sensitive to investment.
"As the telecom providers continue to invest in our communities, that means they are continuing to provide good paying jobs to working families," said Rep. David Niezgodski. "This is good news for consumers and skilled labor."
"Investment in next-generation broadband technologies is essential for us to keep our competitive standing in the country and around the world," said Sen. Joe Zakas. "Connectivity opens doors to new opportunities for consumers and business owners."
Internet usage growth has brought tremendous benefits, but it requires tremendous investments in infrastructure. This significant investment in infrastructure and jobs is possible due to policy that enables companies to compete and offer the innovative services that consumers are increasingly demanding. AT&T has been working with policy makers to support a national broadband plan that enables broadband adoption and ensures broadband access to every American by 2014.
"Our investments in smart networks are enabling the innovation of today and tomorrow that will enhance economic growth and stimulate jobs," said AT&T Indiana President George S. Fleetwood. "We applaud Gov. Daniels and the Indiana General Assembly for creating an environment that encourages companies like ours to continue to invest aggressively in Indiana."
Wireless data traffic on the AT&T network has grown more than 5,000 percent over the past three years, largely attributed to today's advanced smartphones that are generating dramatically increasing volumes of network traffic. In fact, roughly 40 percent of AT&T's postpaid customer base uses a smartphone today, representing twice the number of smartphone customers than any other U.S. provider.
"We're seeing advanced smartphones driving up to 10 times the amount of usage of other devices on average," said Brian Ducharme, vice president and general manager for AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets in Indiana. "Despite these unprecedented increases in wireless data traffic, AT&T's network investments and upgrades have enabled us to continue to deliver the nation's fastest 3G network."
AT&T recently completed a software upgrade at 3G cell sites nationwide that prepares the nation's fastest 3G network for even faster speeds. The deployment of High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2 technology is the first of multiple initiatives in AT&T's network enhancement strategy designed to provide customers with an enhanced mobile broadband experience, both today and well into the future.
Faster 3G speeds are scheduled to become available this year and in 2011 as AT&T combines the new technology with our second initiative to dramatically increase the number of high-speed backhaul connections to cell sites, primarily with fiber-optic connections, adding capacity from cell sites to the AT&T backbone network.
The backhaul upgrades are also a key step in the evolution toward next-generation LTE mobile broadband technology. AT&T is designing its new backhaul deployments to accommodate both faster 3G and future LTE deployments. AT&T currently plans to begin trials of LTE technology this year, and to begin LTE deployment in 2011, matching industry time lines for broader availability of compelling devices and supporting network equipment.
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 open and widely used wireless network platforms in the world. AT&T offers 3G data roaming in more than 115 countries, as well as voice calling in more than 220 countries. The technology also provides customers the ability to talk and surf the Internet at the same time.
AT&T is also an industry leader in Wi-Fi with the nation's largest Wi-Fi network, which complements its wired broadband and wireless 3G networks, offering Wi-Fi connectivity in more than 20,000 U.S. hotspots -- including retail stores and restaurants from coast-to-coast. A full list of AT&T Wi-Fi locations is available at http://www.attwifi.com.
AT&T operates more than 70 AT&T-owned retail locations in Indiana. AT&T's products and services are also available at a number of other authorized dealers and national retail locations.
For more information about AT&T's wireless coverage in Indiana, or anywhere in the United States, consumers can go to http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/. The online tool can measure the quality of coverage based on a street address, intersection, ZIP code or even a landmark.
*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.
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 3G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. AT&T 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(SM) and AT&T |DIRECTV(SM) 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's Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations are known for their leadership in directory publishing and advertising sales. In 2009, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE® magazine's list of the World's Most Admired Companies.
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 @ATTNews. 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.
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.
© 2010 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. 3G service 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.
Source: AT&T Inc.
CONTACT: Jackie Janus, +1-573-999-2832, jjanus@attnews.us, for AT&T
Inc.
Web Site: http://www.att.com/
AT&T Investment in Indiana Network Aimed at Enhancing Mobile Broadband Service Across the State
Plans Call for Upgrading More than 160 Sites to 3G and Adding Eight New Cell Sites
SOUTH BEND, Ind., March 25 -- AT&T* today unveiled its Indiana wireless network investment plans for 2010, which include upgrading more than 160 cell sites to 3G throughout the state and the addition of eight cell sites to provide customers with an improved experience and increased wireless footprint in Indiana.
More than 75 of the cell sites being upgraded this year are a result of AT&T transitioning 200 former Centennial sites to the AT&T network. As the Centennial network assets are integrated throughout 2010, 3G mobile broadband service and additional 850 MHz spectrum will become available in new markets, helping AT&T meet its goals of providing faster speeds and better in-building coverage.
"Investment in the state's broadband networks is critical to keeping Indiana competitive and providing our citizens with the best technology," said Sen. Ryan Mishler. "More consumers are depending on wireless technology to access the Internet and this will help them stay connected."
Today's announcement is part of AT&T's ongoing investment following passage of the Telecom and Video Reform Act (HEA 1279) that was signed into law by Gov. Mitch Daniels in 2006. From 2006 through 2009, AT&T's total capital investment in its Indiana wireless and wireline networks was more than $1.3 billion. From 2006 through 2009, AT&T's wireless network investment in Indiana was nearly $300 million. Last year, AT&T added more than 20 new cell sites across the state and upgraded more than 80 existing sites to 3G.
The planned wireless network enhancement strategy is part of AT&T's 2010 wireline and wireless capital investment, which is expected to be in the $18 billion to $19 billion range companywide, an increase of between 5 and 10 percent over 2009. This planned amount also includes an increase of about $2 billion in capital expenditures for wireless and backhaul related to AT&T's wireless network. This planned level of investment is framed by the expectation that regulatory and legislative decisions relating to the telecom sector will continue to be sensitive to investment.
"As the telecom providers continue to invest in our communities, that means they are continuing to provide good paying jobs to working families," said Rep. David Niezgodski. "This is good news for consumers and skilled labor."
"Investment in next-generation broadband technologies is essential for us to keep our competitive standing in the country and around the world," said Sen. Joe Zakas. "Connectivity opens doors to new opportunities for consumers and business owners."
Internet usage growth has brought tremendous benefits, but it requires tremendous investments in infrastructure. This significant investment in infrastructure and jobs is possible due to policy that enables companies to compete and offer the innovative services that consumers are increasingly demanding. AT&T has been working with policy makers to support a national broadband plan that enables broadband adoption and ensures broadband access to every American by 2014.
"Our investments in smart networks are enabling the innovation of today and tomorrow that will enhance economic growth and stimulate jobs," said AT&T Indiana President George S. Fleetwood. "We applaud Gov. Daniels and the Indiana General Assembly for creating an environment that encourages companies like ours to continue to invest aggressively in Indiana."
Wireless data traffic on the AT&T network has grown more than 5,000 percent over the past three years, largely attributed to today's advanced smartphones that are generating dramatically increasing volumes of network traffic. In fact, roughly 40 percent of AT&T's postpaid customer base uses a smartphone today, representing twice the number of smartphone customers than any other U.S. provider.
"We're seeing advanced smartphones driving up to 10 times the amount of usage of other devices on average," said Brian Ducharme, vice president and general manager for AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets in Indiana. "Despite these unprecedented increases in wireless data traffic, AT&T's network investments and upgrades have enabled us to continue to deliver the nation's fastest 3G network."
AT&T recently completed a software upgrade at 3G cell sites nationwide that prepares the nation's fastest 3G network for even faster speeds. The deployment of High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2 technology is the first of multiple initiatives in AT&T's network enhancement strategy designed to provide customers with an enhanced mobile broadband experience, both today and well into the future.
Faster 3G speeds are scheduled to become available this year and in 2011 as AT&T combines the new technology with our second initiative to dramatically increase the number of high-speed backhaul connections to cell sites, primarily with fiber-optic connections, adding capacity from cell sites to the AT&T backbone network.
The backhaul upgrades are also a key step in the evolution toward next-generation LTE mobile broadband technology. AT&T is designing its new backhaul deployments to accommodate both faster 3G and future LTE deployments. AT&T currently plans to begin trials of LTE technology this year, and to begin LTE deployment in 2011, matching industry time lines for broader availability of compelling devices and supporting network equipment.
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 open and widely used wireless network platforms in the world. AT&T offers 3G data roaming in more than 115 countries, as well as voice calling in more than 220 countries. The technology also provides customers the ability to talk and surf the Internet at the same time.
AT&T is also an industry leader in Wi-Fi with the nation's largest Wi-Fi network, which complements its wired broadband and wireless 3G networks, offering Wi-Fi connectivity in more than 20,000 U.S. hotspots -- including retail stores and restaurants from coast-to-coast. A full list of AT&T Wi-Fi locations is available at http://www.attwifi.com.
AT&T operates more than 70 AT&T-owned retail locations in Indiana. AT&T's products and services are also available at a number of other authorized dealers and national retail locations.
For more information about AT&T's wireless coverage in Indiana, or anywhere in the United States, consumers can go to http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/. The online tool can measure the quality of coverage based on a street address, intersection, ZIP code or even a landmark.
*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.
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 3G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. AT&T 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(SM) and AT&T |DIRECTV(SM) 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's Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations are known for their leadership in directory publishing and advertising sales. In 2009, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE® magazine's list of the World's Most Admired Companies.
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 @ATTNews. 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.
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.
© 2010 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. 3G service 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.
Source: AT&T Inc.
CONTACT: Jackie Janus, +1-573-999-2832, jjanus@attnews.us, for AT&T
Inc.
Web Site: http://www.att.com/