AT&T Accelerates Timetable for Expanding Service in Virginia

RICHMOND, Va., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* said today that the timetable for expanding AT&T service in Virginia has been accelerated and that it expects to complete network upgrades on wireless assets acquired from Verizon Wireless in June 2010 by the end of 2010 or the beginning of 2011. That is significantly sooner than the earlier estimate for enhancing AT&T's coverage in Virginia by mid-2011. Once network integration work is completed, AT&T will launch service for Alltel customers in areas of Danville, Norton and South Hill and Virginia Rural Service Areas (RSA) 1 and 8.(1)

Every residential Alltel customer in these areas joining AT&T as a result of the transaction will receive an offer for a brand new AT&T handset at no additional cost.(2) Customers will be able to choose their free device from a list of the latest AT&T 3G handsets that are comparable to what they have today.(3) Additionally, the vast majority of customers choosing free comparable devices will be able to keep their existing rate plans, and none of these customers will be required to assume an additional contract term.

Customers will also have the opportunity to upgrade to a new device, like iPhone 4®, for an additional fee and with a new two-year contract, with current AT&T rates and associated data plan.

"AT&T has been working tirelessly to upgrade the Alltel network to the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, and we expect that coverage in these areas will be as good as — if not better than — it is today, with the ability to talk and surf the Internet at the same time," said Erika K. Thompson-Kemp, vice president and general manager for AT&T in Virginia and West Virginia. "Our preparations will ensure that we deliver a superior customer experience when we launch service, and we look forward to expanding our presence in Virginia."

"AT&T customers have access to the nation's fastest mobile broadband network. And not only does AT&T's network cover 97 percent of all Americans, AT&T also has the best international coverage of any U.S. wireless provider. That means our customers have voice service in more than 220 countries and data service in 200 countries."

AT&T representatives will communicate to new customers on a regular basis about any changes they can expect moving forward. For example, in the coming weeks, AT&T will send customers a letter describing the steps for choosing new devices. New devices will be mailed directly to AT&T customers' billing addresses approximately one to three weeks before service is launched in these areas.

AT&T is an industry leader in delivering the benefits of mobile broadband networks, devices and applications. With the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T provides accelerated mobile data speeds and simultaneous voice and data capabilities for an amazing wireless voice and data experience.

For updates on the AT&T wireless network, please visit www.att.com/networknews.

(1) Virginia RSA 1 includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, and Wise Counties and Norton City. Virginia RSA 8 includes Amelia, Brunswick, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg and Nottoway Counties.

(2) Applies only to postpaid customers with a contract.

(3) Customers with laptop cards and netbooks may not have a choice of devices, but they will receive a comparable new device at no additional charge.

*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. 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.