BELLINGHAM, Wash., Dec. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AT&T* today released Bellingham area network investment and expansion details that have contributed to customers benefiting from the nation's fastest 3G network and an unsurpassed low local dropped call rate - one of the most common measures of wireless performance - 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 AT&T Pacific Northwest Vice President and General Manager Mike Maxwell. "Since 2007 through the third quarter of 2009 we have invested more than $4.5 million in the Bellingham area 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. AT&T is investing billions of dollars in its wireless network companywide in 2009 alone. Since 2007, the Bellingham area network enhancements include:
-- Initiatives that doubled 3G network capacity with deployment of 850 MHz spectrum to cell sites, providing broader reach and better in-building wireless coverage; and -- The optimization of cell sites through modification and equipment upgrades to increase the ability to handle faster data speeds and provide increased capacity.
"We applaud lawmakers in Washington who work hard to create a positive economic environment for investment and job creation. In these challenging economic times, we are investing in America," said Dan Youmans, state president of external affairs for AT&T Washington.
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. LTE field trials will begin next year, with deployment beginning in 2011, which is when manufacturers expect a wide variety of compatible devices to be available.
As part of AT&T's ongoing commitment to deliver the best possible wireless experience, AT&T recently announced the launch of AT&T Mark the Spot, an iPhone app that enables customers to quickly and easily provide feedback on AT&T network performance in a specific location. The new AT&T Mark the Spot app adds to AT&T's existing network performance data to further fine-tune network investment planning and prioritization moving forward. The app, available now as a free download via the iTunes App Store, enables users to provide valuable feedback with as little as two button clicks.
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.
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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: Colleen Smith, +1-415-318-4183, csmith@attnews.us, for AT&T
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