GADSDEN, Ala., June 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* has turned on the nation's most reliable 4G LTE network** in Anniston and Gadsden bringing customers the latest generation of wireless network technology. Watch here to see several of the benefits AT&T 4G LTE provides, including:


    --  Faster speeds. LTE technology is capable of delivering speeds faster
        than many other mobile Internet technologies. Customers can stream,
        download, upload and game faster than ever before.
    --  Reliability. AT&T has the most reliable 4G LTE network. Based on our
        analysis of independent third party data, AT&T has the highest success
        rate for delivering mobile content across nationwide 4G LTE networks.
    --  Cool new devices. AT&T offers several LTE-compatible devices, including
        new AT&T 4G LTE smartphones and tablets.
    --  Faster response time. LTE technology offers lower latency, or the
        processing time it takes to move data through a network, such as how
        long it takes to start downloading a webpage or file once you've sent
        the request. Lower latency helps to improve services like mobile gaming,
        two-way video calling and telemedicine.
    --  More efficient use of spectrum. Wireless spectrum is a finite resource,
        and LTE uses spectrum more efficiently than other technologies, creating
        more space to carry data traffic and services and to deliver a better
        network experience.

"A strong communication infrastructure is a key ingredient for attracting investment in - and growth of our communities," State Senator Phil Williams said. "It is always great news when an organization like AT&T announces an investment of this scope in the future of our city and state. Everyone benefits from faster, more reliable connectivity - from the children in our schools to our businesses and visitors."

"We continue to see demand for mobile Internet skyrocket, and our 4G LTE network in Gadsden responds to what customers want from their mobile experience -- more, faster, reliably, on the best devices," said AT&T Alabama President Fred McCallum.

AT&T's 4G Network

This expansion is part of AT&T's Project Velocity IP (VIP), a three-year investment plan announced in Fall 2012 to expand and enhance its IP broadband networks. Through this investment, AT&T is supporting its customers' growing desire for high-speed Internet access and new mobile, app and cloud-based services. As part of Project VIP, AT&T plans to add macro cell sites nationwide by year-end 2015, as well as deploy small cells and add Distributed Antenna Systems to increase the density of its wireless network.

AT&T's innovation and investment have resulted in a nationwide 4G network with ultra-fast speeds and a consistent user experience. AT&T's focus to deliver the best possible mobile Internet experience goes beyond 4G to embrace additional connection technologies. AT&T operates more than 34,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots at popular restaurants, hotels, bookstores and retailers, and provides access to more than 1 million globally through roaming agreements.*** Most AT&T smartphone customers get access to our entire national Wi-Fi network at no additional cost, and Wi-Fi usage doesn't count against customers' monthly wireless data plans.

AT&T also is a leading developer of Distributed Antenna Systems, which utilize multiple small antennas to maximize coverage and speed within stadiums, convention centers, office buildings, hotels and other areas where traditional coverage methods are challenging.

Over the past six years (2008 to 2013), AT&T invested more than $140 billion into its wireless and wireline networks, when you combine capital investment and acquisitions of spectrum and wireless operations. Since 2008, AT&T has invested more capital into the U.S. economy than any other public company. In a September 2013 report, the Progressive Policy Institute ranked AT&T No. 1 on its list of U.S. "Investment Heroes."

*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.
** Reliability claim based on third party data regarding nationwide carriers' 4G LTE. LTE is a trademark of ETSI.
Learn more about 4G LTE at
att.com/network.
*** A Wi-Fi enabled device required. Other restrictions apply. See
www.attwifi.com for details and locations

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates - AT&T operating companies - are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and internationally. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's most reliable 4G LTE network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best global wireless coverage, based on offering roaming in more countries than any other U.S. based carrier, and offers the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV service with the AT&T U-verse(®) brand. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://about.att.com or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/att and YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/att.

© 2014 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Information set forth in this press release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might 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 and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

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SOURCE AT&T Inc.