AT&T Launches New Cell Sites and Announces 3G Deployment Plans in SC

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Press Release Source: AT&T Inc.


AT&T Launches New Cell Sites and Announces 3G Deployment Plans in Greenville, Spartanburg and Clemson
Thursday December 6, 1:00 pm ET
Latest Network Enhancements Come As AT&T Gears Up to Deliver Supercharged Mobile Access, Interactive Content and Mobile Applications


GREENVILLE, S.C., Dec. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T - News), the nation's largest wireless carrier, today announced an upgrade and expansion of service by launching new cell sites to enhance the wireless network in the Greenville and Spartanburg area. Also, AT&T will deploy its upgraded third-generation (3G) broadband mobile network the first half of 2008. This will give customers the ability to access voice and high speed data features simultaneously, as well as more options in how, when and where they can access the Internet, use e-mail or view a variety of entertainment services.
"We want to provide the best service possible for all of our customers in Greenville and Spartanburg, which we consider major markets in the Carolinas," said Alison Hall, vice president and general manager for the company's North and South Carolina market. "These new cell sites, along with 3G deployment, help us to provide superior coverage to give customers an 'invisible wire' that extends their broadband experience beyond their office or home."

Currently, AT&T is adding additional cell sites to strengthen coverage in the following areas:


-- State Scenic Highway 11, east of Table Rock State Park
-- North of Highway 492 (Pelham Road) in Greer
-- Eastern Spartanburg
-- U.S. Highway 221 and the surrounding commercial and residential areas
in Spartanburg


With AT&T's 2008 deployment of its 3G network in Greenville, Spartanburg and Clemson, the cities will join a growing list of markets in the Carolinas with 3G coverage that already includes Columbia, S.C., Myrtle Beach, S.C., Charlotte, N.C., Raleigh, N.C. and Greensboro, N.C. As part of AT&T's 2008 launch plans for the Carolinas, the company is also scheduled to deploy its 3G broadband network in Charleston, S.C., Fayetteville, N.C. and Jacksonville, N.C. Since 2004, the company has invested nearly $230 million on wireless network enhancements to expand coverage, add capacity and grow its 3G network in South Carolina.

"This expansion is evidence of our ongoing commitment to invest in the state of South Carolina," said Pamela Lackey, state president of South Carolina. "AT&T will continue to invest in the communications infrastructure essential for this state's growth."

THE BENEFITS OF AT&T's 3G NETWORK

AT&T's 3G network uses HSDPA/UMTS (High Speed Downlink Packet Access/Universal Mobile Telephone System) technology. The company's 3G network is also based on the GSM (Global Systems for Mobile Communications) standard, the most widely used technology in the world. More than 2.6 billion people use wireless devices powered by GSM - representing more than 85 percent of the world's wireless users.

Customers who use a GSM phone, such as those offered by AT&T, can take their device with them when they travel abroad and can benefit from worldwide access through the GSM standard. AT&T subscribers have the ability to browse the Web and perform other data functions in more than 135 countries, and they can make a phone call in more than 190 countries and territories. The 3G network also provides the simultaneous delivery of voice and data - a capability not offered by all wireless providers. AT&T Video Share is an example of a 3G service that enables users to share live video over wireless phones while carrying on a voice call - providing a new way to share personal moments and key events beyond the capabilities of voice and text. Users can allow others to "see what I see, when I see it." Earlier this summer, AT&T Video Share was launched in 3G markets nationwide.

Among several other benefits, the simultaneous data and voice capability allows customers to participate on a conference call from their 3G device while they download a presentation or access the Internet.

Another benefit of GSM technology is that customers who leave AT&T's growing 3G service footprint automatically convert to the AT&T EDGE network without dropping the call or data connection. The EDGE network is the largest high speed wireless data network in the country, with availability in more than 13,000 cities and towns and in areas along 40,000 miles of highway. EDGE technology is also available in more than 120 countries and is available to AT&T customers who are traveling internationally.

Note: This AT&T release and other news announcements are available as part of an RSS feed at AT&T Corporate Information - News Room.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T - News) 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. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at Wireless, DSL Internet, satellite TV Services and Phone | AT&T.

© 2007 AT&T Knowledge Ventures. All rights reserved. AT&T and the AT&T logo are trademarks of AT&T Knowledge Ventures. For more information, please review this announcement in the AT&T newsroom at AT&T Corporate Information - News Room.




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Source: AT&T Inc.