AT&T Strengthens 3G Wireless Coverage in Connecticut

Deployment of 850 MHz Spectrum for 3G in Connecticut Substantially Improves In-Building Wireless Coverage, Adds Capacity to Support Surging Demand for Mobile Broadband.

AT&T* announced a substantial strengthening of its 3G mobile broadband wireless network where it has deployed spectrum in the 850 MHz band across Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex, Hartford, New London, Tolland and Windham counties in Connecticut. As a result, customers in these areas should experience better connectivity, performance and enhanced in-building wireless coverage.

This most recent network enhancement is part of AT&T�s ongoing efforts to drive innovation and investment into its 3G wireless network � the fastest 3G network in the nation according to recent independent testing. More smartphone customers have chosen AT&T over any other U.S. competitor, and AT&T is committed to driving continual enhancement of network capabilities to meet these customers� ever-growing mobile broadband needs.

"Every increase in communications capability offers the potential for local businesses and individuals to contribute to economic growth,� said Mary Beth Reid, Executive Director of the East Hartford Chamber of Commerce. �Today�s announcement from AT&T about enhancing communications infrastructure, including mobile broadband, increases the ability for businesses to compete in the Internet economy as well as the local market."

The 850 MHz spectrum was deployed for 3G use at more than 200 cell sites in Connecticut. It is considered high-quality spectrum, which generally results in better in-building coverage. While specific benefits of the new spectrum will vary by location, AT&T 3G customers should see improved quality and coverage in Fairfield, New Haven, New London, Middlesex, Hartford, Tolland and Windham counties where 850 MHz spectrum has been deployed. AT&T technicians nationwide responsible for monitoring network performance for service quality and coverage have seen significant increases in total 3G data traffic in areas where the 850MHz spectrum has been deployed.

�AT&T�s ongoing investment to build broadband networks helps to create jobs, fuel economic growth and enable our customers to quickly access the content that matters most to them,� said Ramona Carlow, president, AT&T Connecticut. �Our customers have embraced smartphones and upgrades like the additional 3G spectrum deployment allow them to enjoy the benefits of these devices and mobile broadband for years to come.�

�Where we deployed the additional 850 MHz spectrum, we saw an immediate increase in wireless data activity across the AT&T 3G network in those areas,� said Steve Krom, vice president and general manager for AT&T in New England. �The additional spectrum helps to enhance the 3G network so that our customers have the best experience when they make a call, check an e-mail or surf the Internet on their AT&T device.�

This deployment is one part of AT&T�s ongoing initiatives to enhance the speed and performance of its network. Recently, AT&T announced plans to further upgrade its 3G network nationwide with HSPA 7.2 technology to deliver considerably faster mobile broadband speeds. The upgrades are planned to begin in the fourth quarter, with completion expected in 2011. Additionally, AT&T is continually optimizing and adding cell sites in Connecticut and across the country to maximize performance for customers. AT&T is planning to add nearly 1,900 cell sites nationwide this year, and we�re adding new backhaul connections across the country to support the increasing volumes of mobile data traffic.

AT&T�s 3G mobile broadband network is based on the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) family of technologies that includes GSM and UMTS, the most open and widely used wireless network platforms in the world. AT&T offers 3G data roaming in more than 100 countries, as well as voice calling in more than 215 countries.

Across the U.S., AT&T�s 3G network is available in more than 350 major metropolitan areas. For more information about AT&T�s 3G coverage in Connecticut or anywhere in the United States, consumers can go to 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.