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AT&T Warms Up for the Winter Storm Season Across West Virginia

Posted on: Monday, 15 December 2008, 07:00 CST

CHARLESTON, W.Va., Dec. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- With winter storm season upon us, AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is prepared to respond quickly if a storm strikes. To help West Virginia customers get ready for what experts are calling a colder-than-average winter (http://www.almanac.com/weatherforecast/us/7), the company is also providing important communications tips for use before, during and after a storm.

"We realize the important role that communications plays in an emergency situation, and that's why we have invested millions of dollars to expand and toughen our networks and further bolster our disaster recovery capabilities," said Erika K. Thompson, vice president and general manager of AT&T's wireless operations in West Virginia and Virginia.

"We've enhanced and expanded our wireless network across the state this year by installing more backup generators at critical sites and improving our incident response times," Thompson added. "We are committed to keeping our customers connected, and we have taken steps to ensure our wireless networks are ready."

AT&T expanded its presence in West Virginia recently with the acquisition of CellularOne assets formerly held by Dobson Communications and Easterbrooke Cellular across twenty counties in the state. In addition, AT&T has added 17 new cell sites across the state and will add several more before the end of the year. The company also plans continued wireless investment in 2009. Additionally, AT&T launched its ultra-fast third generation (3G) mobile broadband network in Charleston and Huntington. Nationally, AT&T's 3G network, available in more than 335 metropolitan areas, is the fastest in the country, according to independent testing. The high-speed wireless network provides consumers and businesses with enhanced in-building wireless coverage and access to the latest interactive voice, video and data applications.

All of AT&T's cell sites have been equipped with battery back-up power for use in the event of a commercial power outage. The company also has stationary generators positioned at key sites and a fleet of mobile generators that can be deployed if an extended commercial power outage were to occur.

Millions of residential and business customers depend on AT&T for critical voice, data and video communications as well as entertainment services. AT&T monitors and maintains its networks 24/7 and conducts readiness drills throughout the year to ensure that the networks and personnel are ready to respond in a moment's notice.

AT&T's wireless network preparations include: -- Adding capacity to the wireless network to accommodate increased call volume. -- Testing the high-capacity backup batteries located at every cell site. -- Maintaining a robust backup power plan, including batteries, portable generators, and maintaining existing fixed generators. -- Topping off generators with fuel at cell sites, central and field-level switching facilities. -- Staging mobile cell sites and portable generators in safe locations for their immediate deployment once a storm has passed.

AT&T offers the following winter preparation tips for customers:

Have a family communication plan in place. Designate someone out of the area as a central contact, and make certain that all family members know whom to contact if they become separated. Most important, practice your emergency plans in advance.

Use text messaging. During an emergency situation, text messages will often go through quicker than voice calls because they require less network resources. All of AT&T's wireless devices are text messaging capable.

Take advantage of weather text-alert programs. AT&T participates in a number of text alert school closing notification programs. AT&T customers should check their local news websites to see if weather related text alert programs are available in their area.

Keep non-emergency calls to a minimum. If there is severe weather, chances are many people will be attempting to place calls to loved ones, friends and business associates.

Program all of your emergency contact numbers and e-mail addresses into your mobile phone. Numbers should include the police department, fire station and hospital, as well as your family members.

Keep your wireless phone's battery charged at all times. Have an alternative plan to recharge your battery in case of a power outage, such as charging your wireless device by using a car charger or having extra charged mobile phone batteries or disposable mobile phone batteries on hand.

Keep your wireless phone dry. The biggest threat to your device during a storm is water, so keep your equipment safe from the elements by storing it in a baggie or some other type of protective covering.

Track the storm and access weather information on your wireless device. Many homes lose power during severe weather. If you have a wireless device that provides access to the Internet, you can watch weather reports and get regular updates on your phone.

Use your camera phone. Take photos even video clips of damaged property for your insurance company from your device.

AT&T representatives at any retail store location in West Virginia can provide additional tips and teach customers how to send text messages. More information on AT&T's disaster preparedness can be found at http://www.att.com/vitalconnections.

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. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. 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.

(C) 2008 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. 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.

Note: This AT&T news release and other announcements are available as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss. For more information, please review this announcement in the AT&T newsroom at http://www.att.com/newsroom.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.

Source: PR Newswire

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