AT&T Completes 3G Wireless Rollout in Rhode Island

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.

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