AT&T Launches 3G Wireless Broadband Service in Worcester and Springfield
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Western Massachusetts Gains Supercharged Mobile Access to Interactive Content and Mobile Applications
WESTWOOD, Mass., Nov. 21 - AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) has announced a change in how, when and where people access the Internet, use e-mail or view a variety of entertainment services by launching its blazing-fast third-generation (3G) wireless network in western Massachusetts.
With the addition of 3G technology to more than 75 sites, AT&T now offers mobile broadband services in the Greater Springfield area along the Interstate 91 corridor between the University of Massachusetts at Amherst south through Holyoke, Springfield, Chicopee and Longmeadow. Service continues to the Massachusetts state border and along the MassPike (I-90) from Palmer to Westfield. In the Greater Worcester area, the company's 3G deployment covers the city of Worcester and extends west along both the MassPike and I-290 from the I-495 belt to the I-84 interchange. The 3G network will also extend southwest on I-84 to the Massachusetts state border. These network enhancements are just the latest culmination of more than $420 million in network upgrades and coverage expansion in the state over the past four years.
The 3G launch helps connect Worcester with the existing 3G network in the Greater Boston area, which already covers a significant portion inside the I-495 belt and south through the I-95 corridor to Providence, R.I. AT&T will continue its 3G expansion into New Bedford later this year.
"Offering 3G services in western Massachusetts allows us to open up a whole new world of capabilities for more of our customers," said Stephen Krom, vice president and general manager for AT&T's wireless operations in New England. "With our championship sports teams, ever-changing weather and busy rush hours, there's never been more of a desire for quick access to important information when you're on the go."
AT&T's high speed wireless data network will give customers with 3G handsets broadband-type data speeds and allow them to enjoy feature-rich wireless content, including videos, pictures and the latest music, entertainment, news and weather programming through MEdia Net, the company's mobile Internet portal. With the 3G network, customers also can view razor-sharp clips through CV, an on-demand streaming video service that offers a comprehensive library of mobile video content from some of the top media brands.
The AT&T 3G network also offers AT&T LaptopConnect mobile customers DSL-like speeds for their laptops, with the ability to access the Internet, their company's intranet or corporate e-mail from anywhere within the 3G network. The combination of AT&T's 3G network and LaptopConnect - which simply requires a LaptopConnect card or a laptop with embedded 3G capability, software and an AT&T data plan - is ideal for customers who want to increase business productivity and need to quickly download large files, run corporate applications or access the Internet.
AT&T 3G customers can access the wireless broadband network in more than 220 U.S. major metropolitan areas. The company will also expand 3G service to additional markets by the end of the year. The 3G network is also available in almost every major country. Over the past three years, the company has invested more than $18 billion to build and support the scope and capability of its wireless network and to add 3G markets. This initiative ensures quality of service and empowers customers with fast access from their handsets and mobile devices.
Benefits of the AT&T 3G Network
AT&T's 3G network uses HSDPA/UMTS (High Speed Downlink Packet Access/Universal Mobile Telephone System) technology. The company's 3G network is also based on the GSM (Global Systems for Mobile Communications) standard, the most widely used technology in the world. More than 2.6 billion people use wireless devices powered by GSM - representing more than 85 percent of the world's wireless users.
Customers who use a GSM phone, such as those offered by AT&T, can take their device with them when they travel abroad and can benefit from worldwide access through the GSM standard. AT&T subscribers have the ability to browse the Web and perform other data functions in more than 135 countries, and they can make a phone call in more than 190 countries and territories.
The 3G network also provides the simultaneous delivery of voice and data - a capability not offered by all wireless providers. AT&T Video Share is an example of a 3G service that enables users to share live video over wireless phones while carrying on a voice call - providing a new way to share personal moments and key events beyond the capabilities of voice and text. Users can allow others to "see what I see, when I see it." Earlier this summer, AT&T Video Share was launched in 3G markets nationwide.
Among several other benefits, the simultaneous data and voice capability allows customers to participate on a conference call from their 3G device while they download a presentation or access the Internet.
"We continue to unveil new and exciting 3G devices at an amazing rate, which gives New Englanders a lot of choices to satisfy their need to be accessible wherever they go," said Krom. "This 3G launch is just another example of AT&T's commitment to ensuring that more New England customers have access to next-generation technology and services."
Another benefit of GSM technology is that customers who leave AT&T's growing 3G service footprint automatically convert to the AT&T EDGE network during a call or data connection. The EDGE network is the largest high speed wireless data network in the country, with availability in more than 13,000 cities and towns and in areas along 40,000 miles of highway. EDGE technology is also available in more than 120 countries and is available to AT&T customers who are traveling internationally.
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/.
Source: AT&T Inc.
CONTACT: Glen Schwartz of AT&T Inc., +1-617-692-0528, mobile,
+1-781-413-6146, gschwart@attnews.us
Web site: http://www.att.com/
http://att.com/newsroom
