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AT&T Network Upgrades Significantly Improve Greensboro and Winston-Salem Wireless Network PerformanceGREENSBORO, N.C., Dec. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AT&T* today released 2009 Greensboro and Winston-Salem network investment and expansion details that have contributed to area customers benefiting from the nation's fastest 3G network and an unsurpassed low dropped call rate - one of the most common measures of wireless reliability - according to drive test data collected by third-party independent wireless engineering firm Global Wireless Solutions (GWS). "AT&T is committed to providing our customers with the very best possible network experience to complement our line-up of the most popular wireless devices that is unmatched in the industry," said Alison Hall, vice president and general manager, AT&T Mobility & Consumer Markets for the Carolinas. "Since the beginning of 2007 through the 3rd quarter of this year, we have invested more than $17.5 million in the Greensboro and Winston-Salem network to advance our goal of providing customers with a wireless experience that is second to none." More than twice the number of smartphone customers have chosen AT&T over its nearest competitor and smartphone customers enjoy the fastest data speeds in the nation. AT&T is investing billions of dollars in its wireless network this year companywide to meet the growth of data demands. Greensboro and Winston-Salem area network enhancements include initiatives to improve speed, capacity and coverage. AT&T 2009 network enhancements in Greensboro and Winston-Salem to date include: -- Completion of a Greensboro 3G expansion. -- Plans to activate six new cell sites to add to the nearly 150 existing sites, 100% of those sites are 3G. -- Completed various network capacity upgrades to the cell sites and switches to support higher volumes of voice and data traffic, including: -- The addition of more than 131 T1 lines to add more voice and data capacity between the cell site and routing switch. -- The addition of a new Radio Network Controller, a network management equipment that significantly increased network capacity "North Carolina policymakers, and other state leaders, continually strive to create a business environment that invites investment in advanced technologies and stimulates the economy," said Cynthia Marshall, President, AT&T North Carolina. "Their efforts have helped promote competition and have benefited consumers statewide." In 2010, AT&T plans to roll out even faster 3G speeds in 25 of the top 30 markets with deployment of HSPA 7.2. This technology doubles the theoretical peak speed of today's 3G network. As with all wireless connections, typical real-world speeds will be less than the theoretical maximum, and will vary based on a number of factors. AT&T is currently planning for field trials of next generation LTE wireless technology. AT&T expects LTE field trials to begin next year, with deployment beginning in 2011, which is when manufacturers expect a wide variety of compatible devices to be available. The latest GWS data confirms a national dropped call rate of only 1.32 percent and that AT&T has the nation's fastest 3G network. Along with AT&T tracking to invest between $17 billion and $18 billion this year - billions of which is dedicated to its wireless network - these metrics demonstrate that AT&T's investments are paying off for customers. *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. 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® 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 http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATTNews. Find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at http://www.facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services. © 2009 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. 3G service not available in all areas. 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. Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may 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 or revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise. AT&T Inc. CONTACT: Amy Bristle of AT&T Inc., +1-704-423-5143, [email protected] Web Site: http://www.att.com/ |