AT&T Expands Wireless Coverage in West Columbia

August 21, 2009

WEST COLUMBIA, SC –  August 21, 2009 AT&T* today announced enhanced 3G mobile broadband coverage in the Columbia area through the addition of a new cell site.  The new cell site improves coverage along Platt Springs Road around Durham Pond in West Columbia. This site is the second of eight new sites planned for the Columbia area this year. In all, AT&T has more than 90 planned new cell sites for the Carolinas this year.

We will continue to invest in our statewide technology infrastructure to ensure that customers in South Carolina have the latest wireless broadband services that help drive economic growth, said Pamela Lackey, president, AT&T South Carolina. We are committed to providing customers in Columbia and across South Carolina the best in communications services.

AT&T’s network is built on the GSM standard – the most open and widely used technology in the world. Its wireless devices work in more than 200 countries and regions. Nearly all devices in AT&T’s current portfolio are world phones that can be used around the world. AT&T’s 3G network is the nation’s fastest 3G network, according to recent data compiled by leading independent wireless research firms.

Customers using an AT&T 3G handset can download a game or ringtone or access e-mail in a fraction of the time that it used to take. The faster speeds found on the AT&T’s 3G network also allows customers to take advantage of advanced, on-the-go wireless services such as:

  • Video Share – A groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind service in the U.S. that allows users to share live video over wireless phones while carrying on a voice call.
  • CV – An on-demand streaming video service that lets users watch video clips of their favorite TV shows, movies, news, weather, sports and more.
  • AT&T Mobile Music – An integrated music experience that allows one-click access to a complete suite of music-related content, including the most comprehensive music subscription service of its kind in the U.S.

A top priority in 2009 is to continue to enhance the wireless network so our customers have a top notch experience every time they make a call, check an e-mail or surf the Internet on their AT&T device, said Alison Hall, vice president and general manager for AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets for the Carolinas. Each new cell site helps provide our Columbia customers with high-quality voice and data coverage.

The network expansion efforts help address the growing demand for advanced wireless products and services as more and more people’s lives become increasingly mobile and fast-paced. AT&T invested more than $875 million in its South Carolina wireless and wireline networks from 2006 to 2008.

Throughout my career I’ve worked to help assure that our citizens have access to their choice of the best possible resources, said Rep. Mac Toole, R-West Columbia.  Having access to high-tech communication services is a tremendous asset that will not only benefit individual consumers but will also stimulate economic growth.  This cell site addition with its greater 3G coverage represents investment in technology that will benefit our local community and economic development efforts.

For more information about AT&T’s wireless coverage in South Carolina or anywhere in the United States, consumers can go to http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/.  The online tool can measure the quality of coverage based on a street address, intersection, ZIP code or even a landmark.

Customers can learn more about network plans and AT&T services by visiting the AT&T retail store located at 5530 Forest Drive in Columbia.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) 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-verseSM and AT&T │DIRECTVSM 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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