AT&T Completes 3G Wireless Rollout in Rhode Island

* Reuters is not responsible for the content in this press release.

Tue Jun 16, 2009 8:53am EDT

Recent Expansion Builds Upon AT&T's $65 million Investment in the State

PROVIDENCE, R.I., June 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- While many Rhode Island
residents make the time to slow down during the summer months, AT&T is
speeding things up for both consumers and businesses - many of whom see a
seasonal tourist boom.  AT&T* today announced that its entire wireless network
in Rhode Island has been upgraded to its third generation (3G) wireless
broadband technology -- the nation's fastest, according to recent data
compiled by leading independent research firms. 

These enhancements, which added 3G technology to 30 remaining cell sites in
Washington, Providence and Kent Counties, are the culmination of more than
three years of 3G expansion plans in the territory. In fact, from 2006 to
2008, AT&T's total capital investment in its Rhode Island technology
infrastructure exceeded $65 million.

AT&T's 3G wireless network opens the door to a whole new era of mobile
services, devices and feature-rich audio and video content, including the
simultaneous sharing of voice and live video. The investment in its 3G
wireless network is part of AT&T's ongoing effort to build the broadband
networks that will create jobs and fuel economic growth, and enable its
customers access to the content, applications and services that matter most to
them.  

"We are thrilled to provide widespread AT&T 3G wireless access for consumers
and business customers across Rhode Island," said Joseph Divis, vice president
of external affairs, for AT&T in the Northeast region. "While this investment
represents a significant milestone, we are never finished investing in our
network and look forward to bringing even more extensive wireless coverage to
our Rhode Island customers in the future as well."

Recently, AT&T announced plans to upgrade its 3G network to deliver
considerably faster mobile broadband speeds. The network upgrades are slated
to begin later this year, with completion expected in 2011. The upgrade to
High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2 technology is part of AT&T's plan for
continued investments to deliver the nation's best mobile broadband experience
- the ideal combination of speed, coverage and best device line-up. 

AT&T's 3G wireless network is available in nearly 350 major metropolitan areas
in the U.S. and is ranked as the nation's fastest according to data compiled
by leading independent research firms.  Based on the 3rd Generation
Partnership Project (3GPP) family of technologies, which includes GSM and
UMTS, AT&T's wireless network is the most open and widely used wireless
network platform in the world. As a result, only AT&T can offer 3G data
roaming in more than 70 countries, as well as voice calling in more than 200
countries, in addition to AT&T's ever expanding U.S. 3G footprint. 

"Whether checking e-mail, uploading video or using award winning applications
like AT&T Navigator, today's wireless customers are making the most of their
mobile experience," added Steve Krom, vice president and general manager for
AT&T New England. "From road warriors to texting teens, twice as many
Smartphone users in the U.S. have chosen AT&T over any other wireless carrier.
We have something for everyone."

AT&T operates nine AT&T retail locations in Rhode Island.  AT&T's products and
services are also available at a number of other authorized dealers and
national retail locations.  

To find out more details about AT&T's coverage in Rhode Island or anywhere in
the United States, consumers can go to
http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/.  The online tool provides
up-to-date wireless coverage information for specific locations. The tool can
measure the quality of coverage based on a street address, intersection, ZIP
code or even a landmark. 

For the complete array of AT&T offerings, visit www.att.com

*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.

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 3G network, AT&T is a
leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services.
AT&T 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(SM) and AT&T | DIRECTV(SM) 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's Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM
organizations are known for their leadership in directory publishing and
advertising sales. In 2009, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications
industry on FORTUNE(R) magazine's list of the World's Most Admired Companies. 

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
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(C) 2009 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. 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. 



SOURCE  AT&T Inc.

Kate MacKinnon, +1-508-271-8442, kate.mackinnon@att.com, for AT&T Inc.
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