AT&T launches new 4G LTE network locations

AT&T has announced that it is expanding its 4G LTE network to two new markets today. Folks with LTEdevices -- phones, tablets, data sticks -- in Knoxville, Tennessee (and the counties surround the city) and Ft. Myers, Florida should now be able to access the new network. These two new markets bring AT&T's total up to 77 for the nation, covering a large portion of the population.

An interesting bit of information from the press release for the Knoxville rollout indicates that the company spent over $1.3 billion on improvements in its wireless and wireline (home broadband) infrastructure in the area from 2009 to 2011. That gives you a good idea of how much these networks cost to deploy.

We've got a look at both press releases for you after the break.

AT&T 4G LTE Available In Ft. Myers

Customers to benefit from ultra-fast mobile Internet on the latest LTE devices

FT. MYERS, Fla., Oct. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* has turned on its 4G LTE network in Ft. Myers, bringing customers the latest generation of wireless network technology. Watch here to see several of the benefits AT&T 4G LTE provides, including:

Faster speeds. LTE technology is capable of delivering speeds faster than many other mobile Internet technologies. Customers can stream, download, upload and game faster than ever before.
Cool new devices. AT&T offers several LTE-compatible devices, including new AT&T 4G LTE smartphones and tablets, such as the Samsung Galaxy S III, Motorola ATRIX HD, HTC One X, Nokia Lumia 900, Samsung Galaxy Note, and Pantech Element tablet.
Faster response time. LTE technology offers lower latency, or the processing time it takes to move data through a network, such as how long it takes to start downloading a webpage or file once you've sent the request. Lower latency helps to improve services like mobile gaming, two-way video calling and telemedicine.
More efficient use of spectrum. Wireless spectrum is a finite resource, and LTE uses spectrum more efficiently than other technologies, creating more space to carry data traffic and services and to deliver a better network experience.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120612/DA23287LOGO)

"We continue to see demand for mobile Internet skyrocket, and our 4G LTE network in Ft. Myers responds to what customers want from their mobile experience more, faster, on the best devices," said AT&T Florida President Marshall Criser, lll.

"I'm proud to say that Ft. Myers is among the communities enjoying this cutting-edge technology," said Jennifer Berg, Marketing and Communications Director for the Ft. Myers Regional Partnership, "AT&T's investment in Ft. Myers builds on our reputation as a strong region for business investment."

AT&T's 4G Network

AT&T's innovation and investment has resulted in the nation's largest 4G network, covering more than 285 million people with ultra-fast speeds and a more consistent user experience. That's coverage in 3,000 more 4G cities and towns than Verizon. Our 4G LTE network delivered faster average download speeds than any of our competitors in PCWorld's most recent 13-market speed tests.

AT&T's 4G LTE network delivers speeds faster than many other mobile Internet technologies**, as well as multiple innovations that optimize the network for performance. Our network's radio components are placed close to the antenna at most cell sites, instead of inside the base station, which helps minimize power loss between the base station and antenna and, in turn, improves the performance of our 4G LTE network. The network also is designed with its core elements distributed across the country, which helps reduce latency, or the delay when using the Internet, because your request isn't traveling as far.

Even as AT&T continues to expand its 4G LTE coverage in 2012 and 2013, customers can get 4G speeds outside of 4G LTE areas on our 4G HSPA+ network, unlike competitors, where smartphone customers fall back to slower 3G technologies when outside of LTE coverage.

AT&T's focus to deliver the best possible mobile Internet experience goes beyond 4G to embrace additional connection technologies. AT&T operates the nation's largest Wi-Fi network*** including more than 30,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots at popular restaurants, hotels, bookstores and retailers across the country. Most AT&T smartphone customers get access to our entire national Wi-Fi network at no additional cost, and Wi-Fi usage doesn't count against customers' monthly wireless data plans.

AT&T also is a leading developer of Distributed Antenna Systems, which utilize multiple small antennas to maximize coverage and speed within stadiums, convention centers, office buildings, hotels and other areas where traditional coverage methods are challenging.

Over the past five years, AT&T invested more than $115 billion into operations and into acquiring spectrum and other assets that have enhanced our wireless and wired networks. Since 2007, AT&T has invested more capital into the U.S. economy than any other public company. In a July 2012 report, the Progressive Policy Institute ranked AT&T No. 1 on its list of U.S. "Investment Heroes."

*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.

**Limited 4G LTE availability in select markets. Deployment ongoing. 4G LTE device and data plan required. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. 4G speeds not available everywhere. Learn more about 4G LTE at att.com/network .

***Access includes AT&T Wi-Fi Basic. A Wi-Fi enabled device required. Other restrictions apply. See www.attwifi.com for details and locations.

AT&T 4G LTE Available In Knoxville And Surrounding Counties

Customers to benefit from ultra-fast mobile Internet on the latest LTE devices

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* has turned on its 4G LTE network in Knoxville and Knox County, including parts of surrounding Anderson and Blount Counties and parts of Loudon, Roane and Sevier Counties, bringing customers the latest generation of wireless network technology. Watch here to see several of the benefits AT&T 4G LTE provides, including:

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120612/DA23287LOGO)

Faster speeds. LTE technology is capable of delivering mobile Internet speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G. Customers can stream, download, upload and game faster than ever before.
Cool new devices. AT&T offers several LTE-compatible devices, including new AT&T 4G LTE smartphones and tablets, such as the Samsung Galaxy S III, Motorola ATRIX HD, HTC One X, Nokia Lumia 900, Samsung Galaxy Note, and Pantech Element tablet.
Faster response time. LTE technology offers lower latency, or the processing time it takes to move data through a network, such as how long it takes to start downloading a webpage or file once you've sent the request. Lower latency helps to improve services like mobile gaming, two-way video calling and telemedicine.
More efficient use of spectrum. Wireless spectrum is a finite resource, and LTE uses spectrum more efficiently than other technologies, creating more space to carry data traffic and services and to deliver a better network experience.
AT&T invested nearly $1.3 billion in its Tennessee wireless and wireline networks from 2009 through 2011 with a focus on improving the company's mobile Internet coverage and overall performance of its networks.

"Knox County is thriving and a great place to do business," said Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett. "Large and small businesses have a home here, and AT&T's investment and launch of 4G LTE reflects their confidence in our county and adds next generation capabilities for our businesses and consumers."

AT&T Tennessee State President Gregg Morton said his company's local investment creates many advantages for those in Knoxville and surrounding counties. "This 4G LTE launch is great news for Tennessee and is further evidence that when our elected leaders create an environment that favors investment, consumers benefit. The investment we've made to our AT&T wireline and wireless networks alone has equated to nearly $1.3 billion over last three years, so bringing 4G LTE here is the latest example of this significant infrastructure investment," said Morton.

"Today's announcement is proof that consumers benefit when we create policies that favor investment in our state," said Sen. Becky Massey.

"As our economy continues to recover, it is critical that businesses invest in infrastructure to support that recovery," said Rep. Harry Brooks. "This is an investment in our future and in an information-driven economy, the ability for people of Knox County and surrounding areas to have access to the latest communications technology is critical."

"Thanks to the leadership of the Knox County State Delegation and our local elected leaders, we are seeing companies invest in technology which is essential for recruiting companies here in Knoxville," said Mike Edwards, CEO of the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce.

"We continue to see demand for mobile Internet skyrocket, and our 4G LTE network in Knoxville responds to what customers want from their mobile experience more, faster, on the best devices," said Chris Percy, vice president and general manager of Mobility and Consumer Markets for AT&T Tennessee, Kentucky and southern Indiana.

AT&T's 4G Network

AT&T's innovation and investment has resulted in the nation's largest 4G network, covering more than 285 million people with ultra-fast speeds and a more consistent user experience. That's coverage in 3,000 more 4G cities and towns than Verizon. Our 4G LTE network delivered faster average download speeds than any of our competitors in PCWorld's most recent 13-market speed tests.

AT&T's 4G LTE network delivers speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G**, as well as multiple innovations that optimize the network for performance. Our network's radio components are placed close to the antenna at most cell sites, instead of inside the base station, which helps minimize power loss between the base station and antenna and, in turn, improves the performance of our 4G LTE network. The network also is designed with its core elements distributed across the country, which helps reduce latency, or the delay when using the Internet, because your request isn't traveling as far.

Even as AT&T continues to expand its 4G LTE coverage in 2012 and 2013, customers can get 4G speeds outside of 4G LTE areas on our 4G HSPA+ network, unlike competitors, where smartphone customers fall back to slower 3G technologies when outside of LTE coverage.

AT&T's focus to deliver the best possible mobile Internet experience goes beyond 4G to embrace additional connection technologies. AT&T operates the nation's largest Wi-Fi network*** including more than 30,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots at popular restaurants, hotels, bookstores and retailers across the country. Most AT&T smartphone customers get access to our entire national Wi-Fi network at no additional cost, and Wi-Fi usage doesn't count against customers' monthly wireless data plans.

AT&T also is a leading developer of Distributed Antenna Systems, which utilize multiple small antennas to maximize coverage and speed within stadiums, convention centers, office buildings, hotels and other areas where traditional coverage methods are challenging.

Over the past five years, AT&T invested more than $115 billion into operations and into acquiring spectrum and other assets that have enhanced our wireless and wired networks. Since 2007, AT&T has invested more capital into the U.S. economy than any other public company. In a July 2012 report, the Progressive Policy Institute ranked AT&T No. 1 on its list of U.S. "Investment Heroes."

*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.

**Limited 4G LTE availability in select markets. Deployment ongoing. 4G LTE device and data plan required. Up to 10x claim compares 4G LTE download speeds to industry average 3G download speeds. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. 4G speeds not available everywhere. Learn more about 4G LTE at att.com/network .

***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 and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates AT&T operating companies are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and internationally. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's largest 4G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, 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.

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 http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.

2012 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. 4G not available everywhere. 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. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Information set forth in this press release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

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