New Wi-Fi Hot Zone Expansion Keeps Chicago Connected Along North Michigan Avenue

CHICAGO, Dec. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As Chicago residents and visitors head out to finish their holiday shopping, AT&T* has launched a new Wi-Fi Hot Zone along the city's popular North Michigan Avenue. The new Chicago Wi-Fi Hot Zone is just in time for buyers to connect with their mobile devices and research purchases, map shopping routes and reference social networks in hopes of finding the perfect gift.

Whether messaging with friends on chat applications and social networks, or comparing prices in a mobile browser, the new Wi-Fi Hot Zone is designed to enable consumers to easily connect in the bustling retail district along North Michigan Avenue between East Walton and East Delaware streets. The new AT&T North Michigan Avenue Hot Zone brings AT&T Wi-Fi to areas around popular department stores, keeping AT&T customers connected with fast and reliable Wi-Fi.

The new Hot Zone is an expansion of AT&T Wi-Fi in Chicago, adding more broadband locations around the city. The North Michigan Avenue Hot Zone is AT&T's third in Chicago, joining the other sites in Wrigleyville, areas of Grant Park and around the cultural center near Millennium Park.

"Our goal is for our customers to have an extraordinary experience, and we're excited to bring Wi-Fi to AT&T customers shopping along North Michigan Avenue.  This investment in our Chicago wireless network is a holiday gift to our customers that will keep giving all year long," said Paul La Schiazza, President, AT&T Illinois.

AT&T customers also have access to more than 1,100 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots at popular retail locations, bookstores, restaurants and hospitality venues in the Chicago metro-area. Connecting to an AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Zone or Hot Spot is easy and doesn't count towards your data plan. Many of the most popular AT&T smartphones can automatically connect at an AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spot or Hot Zone switching seamlessly between AT&T's Wi-Fi and wireless networks.

"This AT&T investment in Wi-Fi along the Magnificent Mile enhances the world-class shopping experience, as shoppers and tourists can stay connected to their friends, family and even work.  This is good news for Chicago, our businesses and our economy," said Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd Ward).

AT&T operates the nation's largest Wi-Fi network** including more than 31,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots at popular restaurants, hotels, bookstores and retailers, and provides access to more than 340,000 hotspots globally through roaming agreements. AT&T customers with qualifying high speed Internet, smartphone or LaptopConnect plans get unlimited access to AT&T Hot Zones at no additional cost.

*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.

** 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 and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and internationally. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's largest 4G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, 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.

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SOURCE AT&T Inc.