AT&T Expands Mobile Broadband Coverage in Charles County

WALDORF, Md., Oct. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its continuing network investment to support growing demand for advanced mobile devices and applications, AT&T* today announced the activation of two new 3G cell sites in Charles County that will enhance wireless coverage for area residents and businesses.

Customers in Waldorf will experience better connectivity along Poplar Hill Road, between heavily traveled Route 5 and Metro Gun Place. The second site, located near Laurel Springs Regional Park in La Plata, boosts coverage along Radio Station Road between Rosewick Road and La Plata Road. With mobile broadband speeds, AT&T customers can surf the Web, download files faster, and enjoy the very latest interactive mobile applications.

"Delivering dependable wireless coverage for consumers and business customers who need to stay connected is our ultimate objective," said J. Michael Schweder, president, AT&T Mid Atlantic. "Our ongoing investments in this part of Maryland will help us ensure that our customers have access to the wireless services that help drive economic growth."

The new cell sites are one part of AT&T's ongoing efforts to extend the nation's fastest mobile broadband wireless network, according to expert, independent testing. AT&T has continued to drive investment and innovation to deliver the nation's best, most advanced mobile broadband experience for customers. In just the first six months of this year, AT&T invested more than $70 million in its wireless network to continue improving customer service in Maryland.  

"More than ever before, customers look to wireless communications to stay in touch with family, friends, and business colleagues," said Rob Forsyth, vice president and general manager of AT&T in Maryland, northern Virginia, and Washington, D.C. "We're working to make this possible by adding new wireless coverage in Southern Maryland and offering exciting products to help our customers stay connected with their world at home and on the go."

The new cell sites are one of many ongoing network initiatives planned to enhance wireless coverage and capacity across the country. AT&T recently upgraded 3G cell sites nationwide to High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2. Future plans include another upgrade to HSPA+ technology at the end of this year followed by the initial deployment next year of LTE, the next-generation of wireless technology. These advancements, when combined with an ongoing initiative to increase the number of high-speed backhaul connections to cell sites, are a part of AT&T's strategy to provide customers with an enhanced mobile broadband experience, both today and in the future.

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 widely used wireless network platforms in the world. AT&T has the best international coverage of any U.S. wireless provider, providing access to voice service in more than 220 countries and data service in 200 countries. AT&T also offers voice and data roaming coverage on more than 140 major cruise ships, as well as 3G services in more than 125 countries.

AT&T also owns and operates the nation's largest Wi-Fi network** with more than 23,000 hotspots in the U.S. and provides access to more than 125,000 hotspots globally through roaming agreements. Most AT&T smartphone customers get access to our U.S. Wi-Fi network at no additional cost, and Wi-Fi usage doesn't count against customers' monthly data plans.

For more information about AT&T's 3G coverage in Charles County or anywhere in the United States, consumers can visit the AT&T Coverage Viewer. Using the online tool, AT&T customers can measure coverage quality of coverage from a street address, intersection, ZIP code or even a landmark.

For updates on the AT&T wireless network, please visit the AT&T network news page.  

*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 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. 

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SOURCE AT&T Inc.