AT&T outlines new cell sites Vermont wireless network investments in 2009

To address the growing demand for advanced wireless data products and services, such as the BlackBerry(R) Bold(TM) and the Samsung Eternity(TM), AT&T* today unveiled its network expansion plans for Vermont in the coming year.
AT&T plans to roll out its third generation (3G) mobile broadband network in the state by the end of this year, bringing faster wireless speeds to communities including Burlington, Montpelier, Rutland, St. Albans, Hartford, West Wardsboro, Ludlow, Brownsville, Windsor, Vernon, White River Junction, West Wardsboro, Jamaica, Brattleboro, West Townshend, West Dover, Jeffersonville, Barre, Waitsfield, Essex Junction, South Burlington, Colchester, Williston, Winooski, Warren, Stowe, Killington, Northfield, Montgomery Center, Bennington, Middlebury and Pownal.
"The expansion of wireless broadband in Vermont brings many benefits to the small and medium businesses in our communities that rely on wireless connectivity to run and manage their enterprise," said Kevin Dorn, Secretary of Commerce and Community Development. "Investments in networks that deliver high speed wireless connectivity are especially welcome at a time when economic challenges make growing our communities particularly challenging."
In addition to this year's planned 3G build, AT&T will integrate Vermont's legacy Unicel wireless network, acquired by AT&T in December 2008, into its AT&T network infrastructure by the middle of this year. AT&T also plans to add 15 new cell sites, bringing new or expanded coverage to customers in Rochester, Wilmington, Lincoln, Williston, Cuttingsville, Essex, Springfield, Westfield, Fairfield, Plainfield, Sheldon, Poultney, Milton, Cabot and Eden.
"We're committed to delivering dependable high speed wireless access in more places across Vermont for consumers and business customers who need to stay connected to work, family and friends," said Joseph Divis, vice president of external affairs for AT&T Services, Inc. in the Northeast region. "We will continue to invest in our statewide technology infrastructure to ensure that customers in Vermont have the latest in wireless technology available."
AT&T's 3G wireless network is available in nearly 350 major metropolitan areas in the U.S. and ranked as the nation's fastest according to recent data compiled by leading independent research firms. By expanding AT&T's 3G wireless footprint to Vermont, AT&T is offering more consumers and businesses broadband-like speed and access to the latest interactive voice, video and data applications.
AT&T operates 10 AT&T retail locations in Vermont. 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 Vermont 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 http://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. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services, the nation's fastest 3G network and the best wireless coverage worldwide, and the nation's leading 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 their three-screen integration strategy, AT&T operating companies are expanding their TV entertainment offerings. In 2008, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE(R) magazine's lists of the World's Most Admired Companies and America'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.
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.
BURLINGTON, Vt., Feb. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/