AT&T Adds Nearly 2 Million Emerging Device Connections in 4Q; Approaches 11 Million Total Devices Mark

DALLAS, Jan. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T*, the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, announced more than 6 million connected devices have been added to the AT&T network in the past five quarters. The total fourth quarter emerging devices growth, which includes 1.5 million connected devices as well as embedded computing devices, was nearly 2 million. Embedded computing devices include tablets, netbooks and laptops, and are included in either the company's postpaid or prepaid subscriber categories.

The total number of emerging devices, including postpaid and prepaid embedded computing devices, connected to the AT&T network – both for consumers and businesses – is nearly 11 million.

AT&T has certified more than 940 specialty devices that can be used for consumer or business solutions, such as eReaders, netbooks, digital photo frames, personal navigation devices, telematics, home security monitoring and smart grid devices – for use on its wireless network.

In addition to an already leading portfolio of emerging and connected devices, AT&T has announced plans this year to support several new devices, including:

• AT&T provides the nationwide network connection for Vitality, Inc's GlowCaps, intelligent pill caps designed to help patients take medications regularly through a series of reminders, including light, sound, text message and phone call alerts if the cap is not opened as scheduled. The AT&T connected pill caps are now available through Amazon for $10 per cap and $15 per month with a connectivity service plan from Vitality.
• The Pandigital Novel eReader, a 9-inch full-color LCD eReader and Android(TM) Multimedia Tablet, will connect to the AT&T wireless network for accessing the Barnes & Noble eBookstore.  The Pandigital eReader will be available beginning this month at several national retailers for $279.99.
• AT&T provides the nationwide network connection for the new Garmin® GTU 10, a Small, waterproof device that allows customers to track what's important.  From a backpack to dog collar the GTU 10 can attach to things that matter most to customers.  GTU is available for purchase at www.garmin.com for $199.99, which includes one year of Standard Tracking.
• AT&T also announced an agreement with BMW to wirelessly deliver an enhanced suite of safety and infotainment services to future BMW models. The enhancements build on BMW's existing portfolio of connected services – known as BMW Assist – which includes, among other features, direct access to emergency and concierge call center services, traffic information and an online portal for weather forecasts, fuel prices, and news.

The AT&T wireless network enables consumers and business customers access to a range of new, innovative solutions and applications that help make their lives and workplaces more efficient and productive. The AT&T emerging devices portfolio includes consumer electronics devices, rugged handsets and laptops for industrial environments. In addition, AT&T's machine-to-machine applications help enterprises and governments to track, monitor, maintain and manage their remote assets to optimize asset utilization and mobilize their business processes.

"AT&T continues to be the network of choice for emerging devices, providing solutions to wirelessly enable any device," said Glenn Lurie, president of emerging devices, resale and partnerships, AT&T. "Leading consumer electronics companies, business device manufacturers and start ups choose AT&T because of the advantages we offer:   the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, the GSM world standard for wireless technology, the nation's largest Wi-Fi network, flexible business models, and a dedicated device certification lab."

AT&T created its emerging devices organization in 2008 and has emerged as the clear industry leader in one of the wireless industry's fastest growing areas. Recognizing the growing demand for emerging device solutions in the enterprise market, AT&T also formed the Advanced Enterprise Mobility Solutions Group in May 2010. The group delivers advanced mobile applications and solutions for both traditional and emerging devices to businesses, governments and organizations of all sizes.

"Our Advanced Enterprise Mobility Solutions group is focused on helping our business customers to accelerate the delivery of mobile applications and solutions. We continue to collaborate with our Emerging Devices team to deliver a complete mobile experience, on virtually any device," said Chris Hill, vice president, Advanced Enterprise Mobility Solutions, AT&T Business Solutions.  "AT&T is uniquely positioned to help our enterprise customers connect, monitor, and manage these new Internet endpoints with wireless and information technology.   And that new information, combined with wirelessly-enabled workers unleashes tremendous business process innovation, in turn enabling enterprises to serving their own customers in innovative new ways."

Consumer electronics and next generation device manufacturers are encouraged to learn more about AT&T's emerging devices organization through the dedicated www.att.com/edo website.

The site includes an AT&T Connection Kit, a Device Certification On-Boarding Tool, and information to help prospective business allies determine the right business model, network options, product specifications, and potential customer care and distribution solutions

For more information on AT&T's enterprise mobility portfolio visit www.att.com/m2m.

*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 Wi-Fi claim 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. 

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 @ATTNews. Find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at www.Facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services.

© 2011 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.