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AT&T to Invest in Its California Network Enhancing Service to Communities Across the State

Posted on: Thursday, 26 March 2009, 12:39 CDT

AT&T to Add More Than 200 New Cell Sites and Upgrade Nearly 320 Sites to 3G

SAN FRANCISCO, March 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AT&T* today unveiled its California network expansion plans for this year, targeting to add more than 200 new cell sites throughout the state, and upgrading nearly 320 more cell sites to 3G. AT&T's expansion efforts come as more and more people's lives become increasingly mobile and fast-paced, and to address the growing demand for advanced wireless data products and services.

The expansion of its 3G wireless broadband network - the nation's fastest, according to recent data compiled by leading independent wireless research firms - is part of AT&T's ongoing effort to build the broadband networks that will create jobs and fuel economic growth, and enable its customers to access the content, applications and services that matter most to them.

"Investment in the State's wireless broadband network is critical to keeping California competitive and providing our citizens with the best technology," said Senator Alex Padilla (D-San Fernando Valley), Chair of the Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee. "Expanding and enhancing the wireless broadband network extends the benefits of broadband access to many consumers who are relying more and more on wireless technology to access the Internet."

Today's announcement builds on AT&T's 2008 wireless investment in which it added 157 new cell sites in California and upgraded 1,031 existing sites to 3G. From 2006 to 2008, AT&T's total capital investment in its California network was nearly $7.9 billion.

"We continue to make significant investments in California to deliver dependable, high speed wireless access in more places for consumers and business customers who need to stay connected to work, family and friends," said Ken McNeely, president, AT&T California. "Our ongoing investments in California will help us fulfill this vision while ensuring that our state has access to the advanced wireless broadband services that help drive economic growth."

The AT&T 3G network opens the door to a new era of advanced mobile services, devices and feature-rich audio and video content, such as AT&T Video Share(SM), a first-of-its-kind technology that allows users to share live video during a wireless call.

"Our number one priority in 2009 is to continue to enhance the wireless network so our customers have a top notch experience every time they make a call, check an e-mail or surf the Internet on their AT&T device," said Fred Devereux, regional president, AT&T West.

AT&T's wireless network is based on GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) technologies, the most open and widely used wireless network platform in the world. As a result, only AT&T can offer 3G data roaming in more than 70 countries, as well as voice calling in more than 200 countries, in addition to AT&T's continuous 3G expansion in the U.S. AT&T's 3G network is now available in nearly 350 U.S. major metropolitan areas.

AT&T operates 252 AT&T-owned retail locations in California. 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 California, 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. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services, the nation's fastest 3G network and the best wireless coverage worldwide, and the nation's leading 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 their three-screen integration strategy, AT&T operating companies are expanding their TV entertainment offerings. In 2009, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE(R) 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.

(C) 2009 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.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.

Source: PR Newswire

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