AT&T Expands Mobile Broadband Coverage in Findlay

FINDLAY, Ohio, Dec. 6 2011 /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 25 new mobile broadband cell sites in Findlay and the communities of Bluffton, Carey, Fostoria, McComb, Rawson, and Upper Sandusky, that will enhance coverage for area residents and businesses, including those in the U.S. Route 23 corridor between Upper Sandusky and Findlay. With mobile broadband speeds, AT&T customers can surf the Web, download files faster, and enjoy the very latest interactive mobile applications.

"These investments in mobile broadband will be a great help in improving our business climate throughout northwest Ohio," said State Senator Cliff Hite. "Businesses looking to expand or relocate expect the latest in wireless technology. Because we can provide this cutting-edge technology, our area is in a better position to compete for good-paying jobs and it will improve the state's business climate as a whole."

The new cell sites are one part of AT&T's ongoing efforts to drive investment and innovation to deliver the nation's best, most advanced mobile broadband experience for customers. With the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T provides accelerated mobile data speeds and simultaneous voice and data capabilities.

AT&T has also expanded wireless capacity. This network enhancement adds new layers of frequency, also known as "carriers," to nine of the cell sites in the Findlay area to more efficiently manage available spectrum and increase mobile broadband capacity. The expansion helps manage ever-growing demand for mobile broadband services by allocating more network resources for AT&T's mobile broadband network.

"Adding spectrum to a cell site is like adding lanes to a highway," said Larry Evans, vice president and general manager, AT&T Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. "These additional radio carriers will bolster the voice and data experience for our customers. The mobile broadband enhancements we've made in Findlay and the surrounding communities are just one part of the more than $200 million we've invested in our Ohio wireless and wireline networks in 2011."

To-date in 2011 in Ohio, AT&T has added more than 50 new cell sites to improve network coverage, upgraded over 130 existing cell sites to provide faster mobile broadband speeds, and added capacity or an extra layer of frequency to more than 360 cell sites.

"For Ohio to keep and create jobs, our businesses and consumers need access to the latest technologies," said State Representative Robert Sprague. "The announcement that AT&T is enhancing its coverage in our area is great news for our economic future."

"As part of the Findlay community, we're always looking for new opportunities to provide enhanced coverage, and our investment in the local wireless network is just one way we're accomplishing that," said Tom Pelto, President, AT&T Ohio.  "In addition, our recently announced agreement to acquire T-Mobile USA represents a major commitment to strengthen and expand our network.  If approved, this deal means that we'll be able to expand the next generation of mobile broadband – 4G LTE – from our current plan of 80 percent of the U.S. population to more than 97 percent."

AT&T's 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 broadest international coverage of any U.S. wireless provider, providing access to voice service in more than 225 countries and data service in more than 200 countries. AT&T also offers voice and data roaming coverage on more than 135 major cruise ships, as well as mobile broadband services in more than 130 countries.

AT&T also operates the nation's largest Wi-Fi network** with more than 29,000 hotspots in the U.S. and provides access to nearly 190,000 hotspots globally through roaming agreements. Most AT&T smartphone customers get access to our entire national Wi-Fi network at no additional cost, and Wi-Fi usage doesn't count against customers' monthly wireless data plans.

For more information about AT&T's coverage in Findlay or anywhere in the United States, consumers can visit the AT&T Coverage Viewer. Using the online tool, AT&T customers can measure 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 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 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. 

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 @ATT.

© 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.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this press release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.