HOUSTON, April 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* and the Houston Astros today announced they have expanded broadband connectivity at Minute Maid Park with a new Distributed Antenna System (DAS) and Wi-Fi. This is part of AT&T and the Astros' ongoing efforts to support growing demand for advanced wireless devices and services and is designed to enrich baseball fans' wireless experience whether they are checking scores, updating social networking sites, or uploading photos to friends while cheering in the stands.

AT&T Wi-Fi is now available at Houston Astros games at Minute Maid Park as part of a new agreement with AT&T, an industry pioneer in Wi-Fi with the nation's largest Wi-Fi network.** Inside the venue, there are 225 access points to cover 40,950 seats, concession stands and concourse areas. Minute Maid Park visitors with a Wi-Fi-enabled AT&T smartphone can easily connect to the  AT&T Wi-Fi network without any setup or log in required, through an auto-authentication process.

A DAS installation consists of hundreds of strategically-placed antennas that distribute AT&T's wireless network coverage throughout Minute Maid Park, providing for more efficient management of wireless capacity in heavily-trafficked areas. DAS has the ability to provide enhanced wireless coverage to customers in indoor or outdoor spaces where geographical limitations – terrain, building construction, etc. – or crowd density might otherwise prevent an optimal wireless experience. The additional capacity is expected to help improve call reliability and enable more consistent network access to help Houston Astros fans at Minute Maid Park make the most of their AT&T devices.

"We want our customers to have a great network experience anywhere they go, and our alliance with the Astros has allowed us to build a robust combination of both the AT&T Wi-Fi and DAS systems to do just that," said Chris Penrose, South Texas vice president and general manager, AT&T. "We're committed to our investment in the local wireless network, and the new DAS at Minute Maid Park is just one way that we're investing in Houston."

"When we'd look in the stands, we were seeing a greater number of fans using their smartphone or tablet while watching the game. Our fans can not only make phone calls but also get real-time game and player stats right on their device, which combines the experience of being at the game with the additional information you'd get if you were watching on TV at home," said John Sorrentino, vice president, Business Development for the Houston Astros Baseball Club. "It's the best possible way to enjoy the game."

AT&T's focus is on 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.

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 220 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 24,000 hotspots in the U.S., and also provides access to more than 135,000 hotspots globally through roaming agreements. AT&T customers with a qualifying smartphone, 3G LaptopConnect, and high speed Internet plans get access to our entire national 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 mobile broadband coverage in Houston 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 and for more information on AT&T Wi-Fi and how to connect, visit AT&T Wi-Fi Access.

*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.

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. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

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.