AT&T Expands Mobile Broadband Coverage in Franklin County
New Cell Sites Activated as Part of Ongoing AT&T Investment in Pennsylvania Wireless Network
CHAMBERSBURG, Pa., Oct. 18 - As part of its continuing network investment to support growing demand for advanced mobile devices and applications, AT&T* today announced the activation of three new 3G cell sites in Franklin County, Pennsylvania.
The new sites will enhance wireless coverage for area residents and businesses in Chambersburg along Cumberland Highway (Route 997) and Sunset Pike (Route 433) near Letterkenny Army Depot, as well as in Blue Ridge Summit along Route 16 between Pennersville and the Adams County line. The third new site in Waynesboro will boost coverage for customers along Route 16 between Route 316 and Hades Church Road.
With 3G speeds, AT&T customers can surf the Web, download files faster, and enjoy the very latest interactive mobile applications.
State Representative Rob Kaufmann explained this network enhancement is good news for residents and businesses in the Chambersburg area.
"Our area already is an attractive place to live, work, and start or grow a business," said Kaufmann. "AT&T's investment in its mobile broadband network in our communities will make our communities even stronger and more competitive."
"Our goal is pretty simple: we want you to have an extraordinary experience when you make a call, check e-mail, download a video, or surf the Internet on your AT&T device," added J. Michael Schweder, president, AT&T Pennsylvania. "This upgrade in Franklin County is part of the significant private investments we are making to provide enhanced coverage in Pennsylvania and throughout the U.S."
Today's announcement builds on AT&T's mobile broadband expansion to Franklin County late last year. It's also part of AT&T's Pennsylvania wireless network investment plans for 2010, which include the addition of more than 60 new cell sites and the upgrade of nearly 400 additional cell sites to 3G.
From 2007 through 2009, AT&T's total capital investment in its Pennsylvania wireless and wireline networks was more than $725 million.
The new cell sites are one part of AT&T's ongoing efforts to extend the nation's fastest mobile broadband wireless network, according to expert, independent testing. AT&T has continued to drive investment and innovation to deliver the nation's best, most advanced mobile broadband experience for customers.
The new cell sites are one of many ongoing network initiatives planned to enhance wireless 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.
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 Franklin County 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 of coverage 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 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.
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SOURCE AT&T Inc.
CONTACT:
Jennifer Clark of AT&T Corporate Communications,
+1-202-828-5065,
jc167s@att.com
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