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 Decatur and 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 20 cell sites will enhance wireless coverage for consumers and businesses in Decatur and many neighboring communities. The network has also been enhanced along major roadways in the area, including I-55 between Elkhart, Lincoln and Atlanta, along I-72 and Old Route 36 from Decatur into Sangamon County, US-51 from Macon to Heyworth, now connecting commuters traveling into or through Decatur.
In Kankakee, 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.
These additional 3G sites build on AT&T�s Central Illinois expansions in Champaign, Bloomington-Normal, Peoria and Springfield as part of the nation�s fastest 3G network.
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.�
Gov. Quinn attended the Decatur announcement and underscored his commitment to broadband and jobs 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, including: State Rep. Bob Flider (D � Mt. Zion), State Rep. Bill Mitchell (R- Forsyth) State Sen. Kyle McCarter (R � Lebanon) and State Sen. Bill Brady (R � Bloomington).
�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. Flider, Rep. Mitchell, Sen. McCarter and Sen. Brady in the Decatur area and Rep. Dugan and Sen. Hutchinson in the Kankakee area. They cast a vote for keeping and creating Illinois jobs and attracting private sector broadband to the state. As today�s announcements demonstrate, 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.
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 expansions in Decatur and Kankakee are 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.
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 these expansions, 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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