AT&T Brings 3G Mobile Broadband Network to Hilton Head and Bluffton

HILTON HEAD, S.C. and BLUFFTON, S.C., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AT&T* today announced the availability of its third generation (3G) mobile broadband network in Hilton Head and Bluffton, S.C., opening the door to a new era of mobile services, devices and feature-rich audio and video content for customers in the area.  New areas covered by AT&T's 3G network include Hilton Head, Hilton Head Island and Bluffton along Fording Island Road, and the communities of Shipyard Plantation, Wexford and Sea Pines.

AT&T is an industry leader in delivering the benefits of mobile broadband networks, devices and applications. With the nation's fastest 3G network, AT&T provides accelerated mobile data speeds and simultaneous voice and data capabilities for an amazing wireless voice and data experience.  From 2007 through 2009, AT&T's total capital investment in its South Carolina wireless and wireline networks was nearly $625 million. From 2007 through 2009, AT&T's wireless network investment in South Carolina was more than $90 million.

"This investment in 3G wireless technology to enhance the wireless network in the Hilton Head and Bluffton area is a positive development for our region, especially in today's economy," said Rep. Bill Herbkersman (R-Bluffton). "State leaders have worked hard to establish public policy that promotes business investment in South Carolina.  This is an encouraging example of AT&T's ongoing efforts to help drive growth and vibrancy in our communities through new and improved technologies."

Wireless data traffic on the AT&T network has grown more than 5,000 percent over the past three years, largely attributed to the increasing popularity of advanced smartphones and the performance of AT&T's 3G network, the nation's fastest.

"Demand for wireless bandwidth is growing, whether it's for sharing video and photos with friends, watching a movie, checking the latest scores, or listening to music on a phone, netbook or other mobile devices on the go," said Jack Mitchell, regional director – external and legislative affairs, AT&T South Carolina. "With this expansion, our customers can enjoy the nation's best, most advanced mobile broadband experience with emerging devices and tens of thousands of mobile applications."

AT&T recently completed a software upgrade at 3G cell sites nationwide that prepares the nation's fastest 3G network for even faster speeds. The deployment of High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2 technology is the first of multiple initiatives in AT&T's network enhancement strategy designed to provide customers with an enhanced mobile broadband experience, both today and well into the future.  Faster 3G speeds are scheduled to become available this year and in 2011 on a market-by-market basis as AT&T combines the new technology with the increased deployment of high-speed backhaul connections to cell sites, primarily with fiber-optic technology.

"Our goal is for all subscribers to have an extraordinary experience when they make a call, check e-mail, download a song or video, or surf the Internet on your AT&T device," said Bill Mathews, AT&T Area Retail Sales Manager. "As part of the Hilton Head and Bluffton communities, we're always looking for new opportunities to provide enhanced coverage and our investment in the local wireless network is just one way to accomplish this."

AT&T's 3G mobile broadband network is based on the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) family of technologies that includes GSM and UMTS, the most open and widely used wireless network platforms in the world. AT&T has the best international coverage of any U.S. wireless provider, delivering voice service in over 220 countries and data service in more than 190 countries. AT&T also offers voice and data roaming coverage on 130 major cruise ships, as well as 3G services in 115 countries.

For more information about AT&T's 3G coverage in Hilton Head, Bluffton or anywhere in the United States, consumers can visit http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer.  The online tool can measure the quality of coverage based on a street address, intersection, ZIP code or even a landmark.

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

*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 3G 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.