AT&T uveils wireless expansion plans for Wisconsin

[PRESS RELEASE]

MILWAUKEE – AT&T said that from 2006 to 2008,its total capital investment in Wisconsin was more than $1 billion. AT&T also unveiled its wireless network expansion plans for Wisconsin in 2009.

As part of the 2009 expansion, AT&T plans to add more than 50 new cell sites throughout the state, including parts of Northern Wisconsin that include Brown, Chippewa, La Crosse, Marinette, Oconto and Winnebago counties. The company also plans to expand its 3G wireless broadband network to Appleton and Green Bay.

"Improving Wisconsin's telecommunications infrastructure creates economic opportunity by providing residents with faster and better options for everything from reaching emergency services to conducting business to sharing information with family and friends," stated Sen. Jeff Plale, chairman of the Senate Utilities Committee. "As our communication needs continue to evolve, expanding wireless infrastructure is a valuable service to Wisconsin that will help grow the economy and quality of life."

The investment in 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.

This planned investment builds on AT&T's 2008 wireless investment in which it added 16 new cell sites in Wisconsin and introduced its 3G wireless broadband network to Madison customers. Past investment boosted wireless coverage and capacity in communities throughout the state, including Appleton, Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee and Wausau. In addition to wireless investments, AT&T also deployed its AT&T U-verse(SM) services in Wisconsin, including U-verse TV, U-verse High Speed Internet and U-verse Voice, in parts of more than 125 communities, including Green Bay, Madison and Milwaukee.

"AT&T continues to re-invest profits into advanced networks in the Badger state," stated Scott T. VanderSanden, president, AT&T Wisconsin. "Our major investments in Wisconsin over the last three years, and our plans for continued investment this year, are helping give our state access to the technologies that help drive economic growth and job retention and creation. The Video Competition Act, enacted because of the strong leadership of Gov. Jim Doyle, Sen. Jeff Plale, Rep. Phil Montgomery and Rep. Josh Zepnick, has helped make these investments a reality."

AT&T's 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.

"We continue to make significant investments to deliver dependable, high speed wireless access in more places across Wisconsin for consumers and business customers who need to stay connected to work, family and friends," said Kevin Petersen, vice president and general manager for AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets in Wisconsin. "A 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."

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 24 AT&T-owned retail locations in Wisconsin. AT&T's products and services are also available at a number of other authorized dealers and national retail locations.

Find more information about AT&T's wireless coverage in Wisconsin and across the United States, through this online tool that can measure the quality of coverage based on a street address, intersection, ZIP code or even a landmark.