AT&T Brings 3G Mobile Broadband Network to Marion

Local Wireless Network Upgrade Extends Access to Advanced Products, Services and Applications.

AT&T* announced the availability of its third generation (3G) mobile broadband network in the Marion area, extending access for advanced mobile services, devices and feature-rich audio and video content to customers in the area.

AT&T is an industry leader in delivering the benefits of mobile broadband networks, devices and applications. With the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T provides accelerated mobile data speeds and simultaneous voice and data capabilities for an amazing wireless voice and data experience.

“Demand for wireless bandwidth is growing rapidly, whether it’s for sharing video and photos with friends, watching a movie, checking the latest scores, or listening to music on a phone, netbook or other on-the-go devices,” said Nancy Garvey, AT&T’s Vice President and General Manager for the Greater Midwest Region. “With this expansion, our customers can enjoy the nation’s best, most advanced mobile broadband experience with emerging devices and tens of thousands of mobile applications.”

The network upgrade in Marion is one part of AT&T’s ongoing efforts to drive innovation and extend its 3G wireless network. AT&T recently announced Illinois wireless network investment plans for 2010, which included the addition of more than 80 new cell sites and the upgrade of nearly 300 additional cell sites to 3G throughout the state. From 2007 through 2009, AT&T’s total capital investment in its Illinois wireless and wireline networks was nearly $3.6 billion. AT&T also recently activated three new cell sites in Carrier Mills, Royalton and Cobden to enhance coverage for residents and businesses in those communities as well as along Highway 45 and 51.

“The state’s new, modern telecommunications policy passed unanimously by the General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Quinn made Illinois an attractive place for AT&T to invest in broadband, wireless and emerging technologies,” said Paul La Schiazza, president, AT&T Illinois. “We applaud Gov. Quinn, the legislative leaders and the members of the Illinois General Assembly for their leadership in promoting broadband coverage and job creation in Illinois.”

“Today's announcement ensures that more people in Illinois will have access to enhanced broadband technology, which is essential to expanding our 21st century economy and creating good new jobs,” said Gov. Quinn. “Illinois has created more than 43,000 jobs in 2010, and we'll continue putting people to work by encouraging new investment in the latest technologies.”

The expansion of mobile broadband service is one of many ongoing network initiatives planned to enhance coverage and capacity across the country. AT&T recently upgraded 3G cell sites nationwide to High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2. Future plans include another upgrade to HSPA+ technology at the end of this year followed by the initial deployment next year of LTE, the next-generation of wireless technology. These advancements, when combined with an ongoing initiative to increase the number of high-speed backhaul connections to cell sites, are a part of AT&T’s strategy to provide customers with an enhanced mobile broadband experience, both today and in the future.

“This announcement from AT&T is great news for economic development in Southern Illinois. This private sector investment from AT&T will bring the latest technologies to help grow our economy and attract jobs,” said State Rep. John Bradley (D –Marion).

“For Illinois to keep and create jobs, our businesses need access to the latest technologies. The announcement that AT&T’s 3G mobile broadband is coming to Marion is great news for our economic future,” said State Rep. Brandon Phelps (D – Norris City).

“Wireless broadband is critical for keeping and creating jobs - and today AT&T has brought it to Marion. This is a great day for Southern Illinois,” said State Sen. Gary Forby (D-Benton).

AT&T’s 3G mobile broadband network is based on the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) family of technologies that includes GSM and UMTS, the most widely used wireless network platforms in the world. AT&T has the best international coverage of any U.S. wireless provider, providing access to voice service in over 220 countries and data service in more than 195 countries. AT&T also offers voice and data roaming coverage on more than 135 major cruise ships, as well as 3G services in more than 120 countries.

For more information about AT&T’s 3G coverage in Marion or anywhere in the United States, consumers can visit http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer. Using the online tool, AT&T customers can measure coverage quality from a street address, intersection, ZIP code or even a landmark. To see all of the latest offerings from AT&T, residents can stop by the AT&T store in Marion at 2406 Williamson County Parkway or the AT&T kiosk in the Carbondale University Mall at 1237 East Main St., Carbondale, IL.

For updates on the AT&T wireless network, please visit www.att.com/networknews.