AT&T 4G LTE Expands To Chicago's South Side And Suburbs

CHICAGO, May 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* has expanded its 4G LTE network to Chicago's South Side and suburbs, bringing more customers the latest generation of wireless network technology. AT&T launched 4G LTE in Chicago on Sept. 19, 2011, and the expanded coverage is part of its ongoing rollout across the market.

AT&T is bringing 4G LTE coverage to several Chicago South Side locations, including many South suburbs, such as Hickory Hills, Palos Heights, Alsip, Country Club Hills, Oak Lawn and Evergreen Park, among others.

"We've seen positive response from customers on our 4G LTE launch, and as today's expansion shows, we are continuing our rollout of fast 4G LTE speeds to more areas of Chicago," said AT&T Illinois Vice President General Manager Dave Fine.

AT&T 4G LTE provides several benefits, including:

• Faster speeds. LTE technology is capable of delivering speeds faster than many other mobile Internet technologies. Customers can stream, download, upload and game faster than ever before. 
• Cool new devices. AT&T offers several LTE-compatible devices, including new AT&T 4G LTE smartphones and tablets, such as the HTC One™ X, Samsung Focus® 2 (available May 20), Nokia Lumia 900, Samsung Galaxy Note™, and Pantech Element™ tablet.
• Faster response time. LTE technology offers lower latency, or the processing time it takes to move data through a network, such as how long it takes to start downloading a webpage or file once you've sent the request. Lower latency helps to improve services like mobile gaming, two-way video calling and telemedicine.
• More efficient use of spectrum. Wireless spectrum is a finite resource, and LTE uses spectrum more efficiently than other technologies, creating more space to carry data traffic and services and to deliver a better network experience.

AT&T's 4G Network

AT&T customers have access to the nation's largest 4G network, covering more than 260 million people. According to recent third-party speed tests by PCWorld, AT&T 4G LTE speeds are faster than the competition. Testing in 13 cities showed that AT&T's combination of 4G LTE and HSPA+ technologies delivered faster download speeds than any other carrier tested.

"The world is moving faster, and at AT&T, we're investing to give our customers mobile internet speeds that are faster, too.  In fact, AT&T has invested more than $1 billion in our Illinois networks each of the last three years to help meet the explosive growth in mobile data demand for consumers and businesses.  Our 4G LTE network offers the fastest mobile broadband speeds and we're excited to offer it to more customers in Chicago and in the south suburbs today," said AT&T Illinois President Paul La Schiazza.  "As mobile data has become essential to virtually all sectors of our economy ― including education, healthcare, law enforcement, transportation and manufacturing ― Illinois should adopt policies to attract more private sector investment in fast broadband networks to better compete in the global economy.  The world is moving faster, and Illinois can't afford to slow down." 

Even as 4G LTE expands, AT&T customers are able to enjoy widespread, ultra-fast and consistent 4G speeds on their compatible device as they move in and out of LTE areas. AT&T has two 4G networks that work together for customers, LTE and HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. With other carriers, when you travel outside of their LTE coverage area, you're on a much slower 3G network.

Limited 4G LTE availability in select markets. Deployment ongoing. 4G LTE device and data plan required. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Learn more about 4G LTE at att.com/network.

*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 and one of the most honored companies in the world. 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 largest 4G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, 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. 

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.  This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

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

SOURCE AT&T Inc.