Youngstown State University to Provide AT&T Wi-Fi Across Its Campus

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio, Jan. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Youngstown State University is working with AT&T* to provide its campus community with access to AT&T wireless Internet service (Wi-Fi). As students and visitors return to campus for the spring semester, AT&T Wi-Fi will be available in the university's public areas, including key buildings like Kilcawley Center and the new Williamson Hall. The new Wi-Fi network will supplement the wireless network that the university currently provides to all Youngstown University staff, faculty, and students with visitor wireless Internet access.

"As students, faculty and visitors step onto campus, they'll be greeted with new AT&T Wi-Fi options to enhance their wireless experience," said Jason Rakers, Director of Network Telecommunications & Security. "The relationship with AT&T should deliver outstanding service and convenience to our extended campus community."

Students, faculty and guests now have easy access to broadband on the go with Wi-Fi enabled devices. For a scholar conducting research in the library or a prospective high school student exploring the YSU campus, AT&T Wi-Fi is a fast, reliable, and convenient way to access the Internet and view information about academic programs or other university information.

"AT&T's investment in a Wi-Fi network to enhance connectivity is a positive development for the entire YSU community," said State Senator Joe Schiavoni. "It is encouraging to see AT&T's ongoing commitment to making new and better technologies available to drive growth and vibrancy in our communities."

By delivering a single AT&T Wi-Fi interface, the university will be able to better serve campus visitors seeking Internet access. AT&T will directly manage the network and provide customer support around the clock, which greatly benefits the university and allows it to focus on other critical tasks.

Faculty, staff, students and campus visitors with qualifying AT&T smartphone, 3G LaptopConnect, and high speed Internet plans can access AT&T Wi-Fi on the YSU campus at no additional charge. Other visitors can access AT&T Wi-Fi by purchasing a day pass.

The availability of Wi-Fi on the YSU campus meets rapidly growing demand. The popularity of Wi-Fi continues to soar as more and more consumers easily connect from an increasing number of Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as smartphones and tablets. AT&T handled 106.9 million Wi-Fi connections on its network in the third quarter 2010, exceeding the total 85.5 million connections made during the entire year in 2009.

A growing number of premier universities are deploying campuswide Wi-Fi networks as an efficient and effective way to provide total broadband coverage for staff, students and campus visitors. AT&T offers unique Wi-Fi solutions and applications designed for campuses and other venues, and it operates the nation's largest Wi-Fi network** with more than 23,000 U.S. hotspots. For more information, visit Youngstown State University or 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 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.