Local wireless network upgrade extends access to advanced products, services and applications as new telecom law supported by local legislators makes Illinois more attractive for private sector investment in broadband and wireless.
AT&T* announced the availability of its third generation (3G) mobile broadband network in Kankakee, opening the door to a new era of mobile services, devices and feature-rich audio and video content for customers in the area.
The activation of 3G technology on more than 10 cell sites will enhance wireless coverage for residents and businesses in Kankakee and neighboring communities such as Bourbonnais, Bradley, Manteno and Peotone.
AT&T is an industry leader in delivering the benefits of mobile broadband networks, devices and applications. With the nation�s fastest 3G network, AT&T provides accelerated mobile data speeds and simultaneous voice and data capabilities for an amazing wireless voice and data experience.
The network expansion in the Kankakee area is 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.
The announcement follows Gov. Pat Quinn�s signing of the state�s new, modern telecommunications law designed to attract private sector investment in broadband and wireless to meet consumer demands and attract jobs across all sectors of the Illinois economy.
�When he signed the new telecom law, Governor Quinn made Illinois an attractive place for AT&T to invest in broadband, wireless and emerging technologies,� said Paul La Schiazza, president, AT&T Illinois. �We applaud Gov. Quinn for his leadership in promoting broadband coverage and job creation in Illinois.�
"Today's announcement ensures that more people in Illinois will have access to enhanced broadband technology, which is essential to expanding our 21st century economy," said Governor Quinn. �Illinois has created more new jobs than any other Midwestern state this year, and we'll continue putting people to work by encouraging new investment in the latest technologies."
Local legislators were essential in advancing the new telecom policy when it came to a vote in the General Assembly in May. AT&T recognized four local legislators for their support of the measure, State Rep. Lisa Dugan (D � Bradley), State Sen. Toi Hutchinson (D � Olympia Fields), State Rep. Careen Gordon (D � Coal City) and State Sen. Gary Dahl (R � Granville).
�Governor Quinn, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, the four legislatives leaders � Senate President John J. Cullerton, House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, Senate Republican Leader Sen. Christine Radogno and House Republican Leader Rep. Tom Cross � as well as every member of the General Assembly has in this new law created a positive economic environment to attract business and retain and grow jobs,� La Schiazza said. �Today we wish to recognize Rep. Dugan, Sen. Hutchinson, Rep. Gordon and Sen. Dahl. They cast a vote for keeping and creating Illinois jobs and attracting private sector broadband to the state. As today�s announcement demonstrates, already their support is reaping benefits for Illinois.�
Public Act 96-0927, which updates Illinois� 25-year-old telecommunications law, was sponsored by State Rep. Kevin McCarthy (D � Orland Park) and State Sen. Michael Bond (D � Grayslake) and co-sponsored by State Rep. Mike Bost (R � Murphysboro) and State Sen. Randy Hultgren (R � Winfield). The law, which passed the General Assembly unanimously, was crafted to attract private sector investment in new technologies by leveling the playing field for all telecommunications providers. Gov. Quinn signed the legislation into law on June 15.
�I am excited about AT&T�s 3G broadband coming to the Kankakee area because it is important for jobs and our economy. In Illinois, our state policies should work to attract new technologies that can help keep and create jobs,� said Rep. Dugan. �The new telecom law we passed and Gov. Quinn signed will help Illinois attract private sector investment in broadband and wireless technologies � and today is an example of how the modern telecom law can benefit the state.�
�Broadband is the most important economic infrastructu re for the 21st century,� said Sen. Hutchinson. �With this new access to AT&T�s 3G wireless broadband network, the Kankakee area will now have access to the wonderful technologies that consumers want and that businesses need to keep and create jobs. This is a great day for the future of our corner of Illinois.�
�In this difficult economy it is important that we as state lawmakers set the right policy to encourage job retention and job growth in Illinois,� said State Rep. Careen Gordon. �I am encouraged that the new telecom law is already bringing new private sector broadband investment to our area. This policy truly is the key for fueling more economic opportunities for the citizens of Illinois.�
�Today�s economy is extremely competitive and our state is competing with others for jobs and investment from the private sector. The modern state telecommunications law will help Illinois capture jobs and economic opportunities,� said State Sen. Gary Dahl (R � Granville) �Today and into the future, broadband is the key to jobs in all sectors of our economy � education, health care, transportation, professional services and public safety. Today�s news is great news. The more broadband, the better for Illinois.�
�Whether businesses are looking to compete across the state, across the nation or across the world, they need access to broadband,� said Kankakee Regional Chamber President David Hinderliter. �This announcement from AT&T demonstrates what can happen when good public policy passes and is signed into law. Today, our organization would like to thank AT&T, but more importantly, we�d like to thank Rep. Dugan, Sen. Hutchinson, Rep. Gordon and Sen. Dahl for understanding how important this new telecom law is for jobs in our area. We commend you all � and Gov. Quinn � on a job well done for updating our state�s telecom law.
Wireless data traffic on the AT&T network grew more than 5,000 percent from 2007 to 2009, largely attributed to the increasing popularity of advanced smartphones and the performance of AT&T�s 3G network, the nation�s fastest.
�Demand for wireless bandwidth is growing, whether it�s for sharing video and photos with friends, watching a movie, checking the latest scores, or listening to music on a phone, netbook or other mobile devices on the go,� said Dave Fine, vice president and general manager for AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets in Illinois. �With this expansion, our customers can enjoy the nation�s best, most advanced mobile broadband experience with emerging devices and tens of thousands of mobile applications.�
Earlier this year, AT&T completed a software upgrade at 3G cell sites nationwide that prepares the nation�s fastest 3G network for even faster speeds. The deployment of High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2 technology is the first of multiple initiatives in AT&T�s network enhancement strategy designed to provide customers with an enhanced mobile broadband experience, both today and well into the future. Faster 3G speeds are scheduled to become available this year and in 2011, as AT&T combines the new technology with the increased deployment of high-speed backhaul connections to cell sites, primarily with fiber-optic technology.
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 widely used wireless network platforms in the world. AT&T has the best international coverage of any U.S. wireless provider, delivering voice service in over 220 countries and data service in more than 195 countries. AT&T also offers voice and data roaming coverage on more than 140 major cruise ships, as well as 3G services in more than 120 countries.
For more information about AT&T�s 3G coverage in Illinois 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.
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