AT&T Wi-Fi Usage Soars With 301.9 Million Connections Made in Third Quarter 2011

DALLAS, Oct. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers are increasingly relying on AT&T Wi-Fi to connect in more places from more devices, driving significant growth in Wi-Fi connections on AT&T*'s nationwide network.

In the third quarter:

• Users made 301.9 million AT&T Wi-Fi connections — more than 37 connections every second.
• Connections nearly tripled (up more than 282 percent) versus connections made in the third-quarter 2010.
• Users now make 100 million AT&T Wi-Fi connections per month. Wi-Fi connections in a single month now exceed the total connections made in all of 2009 and are five times the total connections made in 2008.
• Data carried on the AT&T Wi-Fi network more than doubled versus the third-quarter 2010.

"The accelerating growth in connections and usage on our Wi-Fi network shows what we've known all along: Customers want to connect wherever they are, from any device, in a fast, reliable and convenient way," said Angie Wiskocil, senior vice president, AT&T Wi-Fi Services. "Consumers and businesses understand the numerous benefits in using and offering Wi-Fi in more places. By investing in our network and expanding our Wi-Fi footprint, we will continue to be the leader in Wi-Fi services."

The AT&T Wi-Fi network continues to scale, with more than 29,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots available nationwide — the nation's largest Wi-Fi network**. Most AT&T smartphone customers get access to our entire national Wi-Fi network at no additional cost as part of their plan, and Wi-Fi doesn't count toward customers' monthly wireless data usage. AT&T recently launched the free AT&T Smart Wi-Fi app to help customers locate and connect to Wi-Fi hotspots more easily, maximize your wireless data plan and optimize battery performance.

The number of hotspots is growing as more large venues and enterprises recognize the significant value of offering Wi-Fi for their customers, employees and operations — and choose AT&T Wi-Fi Services to manage their Wi-Fi deployment, network and apps. Stadium and hospitality locations account for the largest growth. Some of the biggest stadiums and championship games in the world use AT&T Wi-Fi to keep high-density crowds connected and enhance the fan experience with customized, venue-based apps. This quarter, AT&T announced an agreement with Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The number of AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots at hotels has quadrupled this year alone, and hotel locations account for approximately 40 percent of the total AT&T Wi-Fi network traffic, driven by business travelers and longer connection times during guests' stay.

Additionally, AT&T signed an agreement to acquire Montreal-based Wi-Fi management services provider Superclick, Inc., which will expand our services and platforms to deliver premium services in the high-end hospitality sector, domestically and internationally. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter.

AT&T is the only major mobile operator deploying Wi-Fi hotzones to provide convenient connectivity in high traffic areas. For example, AT&T continues to add Wi-Fi hotzones in key cities like Palo Alto, San Francisco and Chicago. AT&T has also made Wi-Fi available in several parks throughout New York City's five boroughs, adding to the more than 1,250 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots and several AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Zones throughout the greater New York City area.

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 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.

** Largest based on company branded and operated hotspots. Access includes AT&T Wi-Fi Basic. 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 around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV 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 Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. 

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SOURCE AT&T Inc.