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AT&T Plans to Invest Nearly $60 Million in Missouri Wireless Network in 2008

Posted on: Thursday, 3 April 2008, 09:00 CDT

ST. LOUIS, April 3, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AT&T Inc. , the world's largest communications company, today announced a planned investment of nearly $60 million in the Missouri wireless network in 2008. This will bring AT&T's three-year investment in the state to nearly $250 million, further demonstrating AT&T's commitment to provide Missourians with a stronger, expanded network and the newest wireless technologies and features.

"We're continuing to accelerate the changes that our customers see and experience in Missouri, and that's as exciting for us as it is for our customers," said Nancy Garvey, vice president and general manager for AT&T's wireless operations in Missouri and Kansas. "Our goal is to ensure that AT&T's customers have the very best wireless experience possible, and that includes providing unmatched coverage, quality of service, competitive calling plans and innovative wireless devices."

As part of the 2008 wireless network investment, AT&T plans to add 40 new cell sites and to roll out its higher-speed wireless network in additional communities throughout the state. New sites and other network enhancements will be deployed to expand wireless coverage for consumers and businesses in southeastern Missouri and along U.S. Highway 67.

AT&T is also delivering dramatic change in Missouri through the introduction and deployment of its third-generation (3G) wireless broadband network, which offers customers access to DSL-type speeds for their laptops and gives them the ability to access the Internet and e-mail from within the 3G network. Customers with 3G handsets have quick access to the latest news, weather, music, entertainment, videos, games and pictures through MEdia(TM) Net, the company's mobile Internet portal.

AT&T is expanding its wireless 3G network this year to more than 80 additional cities, bringing AT&T's 3G wireless services to nearly 350 leading U.S. markets. AT&T plans to launch 3G service in Springfield later this year.

"Under the leadership of Gov. Matt Blunt, our state leaders strive to create an environment that continues our economic turnaround and development," said Greg Steinhoff, director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. "This is yet another example of how we're bringing consumers more choices, innovative services and greater competition in the marketplace. I commend AT&T for answering the call to make Missouri ready not only to compete but to continue expanding economic opportunities for Missouri's working families."

David Nichols, president of AT&T Missouri, said: "Thanks to our visionary state leadership, the state remains open for business. Through investments such as this, we're able to ensure that as many Missourians as possible remain connected in every way. We're committed to providing consumers with unprecedented choice and flexibility in devices, applications and service plans so that they have access to the people, information and entertainment they care about."

AT&T's wireless network is based on the Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications technology, the most open and widely used network platform in the world. AT&T plans to complete the nation's first High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA)-enabled network by the middle of the year. HSUPA substantially increases upload speeds on the 3G network, allowing AT&T's HSUPA-enabled laptop users to send large files faster and take full advantage of the latest interactive Internet and business applications.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may 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 or revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. 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.

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.

AT&T Inc.

CONTACT: Chelsey Ilten of AT&T Inc., +1-314-982-7705, orMobile, +1-314-330-3104, cilten@attnews.us

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

Source: PRNewswire-FirstCall

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