AT&T Launches Wi-Fi Hotzone Along Austin's Sixth Street Entertainment District

DALLAS, May 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* today announced the launch of an AT&T Wi-Fi hotzone in Austin, Texas, to provide Wi-Fi coverage for Austinites and visitors along the city's popular Sixth Street — home to frequented shops, entertainment, events and restaurants.

The new hotzone provides fast and reliable Wi-Fi from the 100 block to the 600 block of Sixth Street between Congress Avenue and Interstate 35. AT&T customers with qualifying wireless data, LaptopConnect and AT&T High Speed Internet plans get unlimited access to AT&T hotzones at no additional cost.

Austin is the fifth major market to benefit from an AT&T Wi-Fi hotzone, joining hotzones launched in 2010 and recently expanded in New York City at Times Square and near Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick's Cathedral and along Park Avenue; San Francisco's Embarcadero Center; downtown Charlotte, N.C.; and Chicago's Wrigleyville. Hotzones enhance the broadband experience for AT&T customers who use Wi-Fi enabled devices, providing another way to stay connected and adding data network capacity in high traffic areas. AT&T is the only major mobile operator using Wi-Fi in this way.

AT&T recently deployed extra Wi-Fi hotspots for major local events around Austin, including SXSW, Statesman Capitol 10 Race, Urban Music Festival and Austin Reggae Fest, and saw great demand. AT&T customers made over 120,000 connections at AT&T's temporary Wi-Fi hotspots since March, demonstrating the need for a permanent hotzone at one of Austin's busiest areas.

"As consumers use an increasing amount of data and more Wi-Fi enabled devices, our Wi-Fi hotzones are another investment we're making to deliver the best possible broadband experience to AT&T customers," said Angie Wiskocil, senior vice president, AT&T Wi-Fi Services. "We've seen high usage and positive feedback at our other AT&T Wi-Fi hotzones, and we're excited to bring one to Austin — the hometown of AT&T Wi-Fi Services —in an area where customers need speed and coverage the most."

AT&T's focus is delivering the nation's most advanced mobile broadband experience, which includes 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.  

Many of the most popular AT&T smartphones can automatically connect at AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots, making it easy for customers to find and use AT&T Wi-Fi. Customers can use AT&T Wi-Fi hotzones and more than 24,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots nationwide without it counting toward their monthly smartphone data usage. AT&T plans to deploy additional hotzones in other urban areas across the country where we're consistently seeing high data use.

AT&T's Wi-Fi network complements its wired and mobile broadband networks, offering Wi-Fi connectivity at popular locations like retail stores, restaurants and coffee shops from coast-to-coast. For more information on AT&T Wi-Fi and how to connect, visit www.att.com/wifiaccess.

*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, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, 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. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. 

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SOURCE AT&T Inc.