TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AT&T* today released Tampa market network investment and expansion details that have contributed to customers benefiting from the nation's fastest 3G network and an unsurpassed low dropped call rate - one of the most common measures of wireless reliability - 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 unmatched line-up of popular wireless devices," said AT&T West Florida Vice President and General Manager Jennifer Van Buskirk. "Since 2007 through the third quarter of 2009, we have invested more than $85 million in the Tampa 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. West Florida network enhancements include initiatives to improve speed, capacity and coverage.
AT&T 2009 network enhancements in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Polk counties to date include:
-- Deployment of 850 MHz spectrum that has substantially increased network
capacity and in-building signal;
-- The activation of 15 new cell sites;
-- The addition of 3G technology to 15 existing cell sites;
-- The addition of a "second carrier," or second layer of capacity to
approximately 15 cell sites;
-- A new switching center;
-- The addition of two Radio Network Controllers that have significantly
increased capacity; and
-- The addition of more than 1,000 T1s to increase voice and data capacity
between the cell site and routing switch.
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. AT&T expects LTE field trials to begin next year, with deployment beginning in 2011, which is when manufacturers expect a wide variety of compatible devices to be available.
"Here in Florida, we know that technology is driving dramatic change in our workplace and our homes, creating new products and services and new jobs and industries," said Tony Carvajal, executive vice president of the Florida Chamber Foundation and chairman of Innovation and Infrastructure Caucus. "Such change wouldn't be possible without private investment like that reflected in today's announcement by AT&T. AT&T's investment means that Florida businesses and consumers can better benefit from faster, more robust technology that also helps attract and retain jobs for our citizens."
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 today 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. (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® 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.
SOURCE AT&T Inc.
