AT&T And Nokia Introduce A New 4G LTE Wireless Network Solution For Utilities

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* is working with Nokia to make sure U.S. utility companies can get their data when they really need it. The companies are providing a new option for utilities to build a private, highly secure, reliable and high-capacity LTE network.

The solution combines AT&T spectrum with Nokia LTE Technology. It covers utilities at times and places their own private networks can't. Utilities will have continuity they can count on for their critical grid applications. And, they'll have a network that can evolve with the distribution grid of the future.

The solution enables better communication throughout the utilities' footprint.

• AT&T will provide licensed spectrum so utilities can establish their own Field Area Networks (FAN) in their active footprint. 
• Devices can reach deep into the distribution network. That opens options for more automation. It supports distribution functions at substations, renewable energy sources, as well as management and control of remote devices and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) solutions.

Other offers rely on unlicensed spectrum. They use proprietary technologies that often have more risk of interference. One analyst report predicts there will be 50 billion connected devices by 2020.** The majority of these devices will operate in unlicensed areas, potentially causing interference.

"Nokia and AT&T are addressing the challenges faced by utilities," said Michael Troiano, Vice President, IoT Solutions, AT&T Mobility. "Together, our spectrum and Nokia's LTE Technology gives utilities the opportunity to update their FAN. They can have confidence these networks will perform to their requirements—now and in the future."

"This joint solution offers utilities a new opportunity to modernize their field area network with a single, industry standards-based private broadband network," said Kamal Ballout, Vice President, Global Enterprise & Public Sector North America, Nokia. "Its end-to-end security approach, coupled with the ability to utilize AT&T's commercial wireless network, where and when their own private network is inaccessible, will deliver exceptional service continuity for today's critical grid applications along with true broadband capacity as the future distribution grid evolves."

The companies will help utilities migrate existing wireless devices and AMI collectors to a private broadband wireless solution. This significantly improves throughput and reliability. It also supports micro grids, metering solutions, renewable energy sources and more to meet shifting market demand—at minimal cost. The offer uses standards-based LTE technology; this will allow it to stay relevant in the future. 

AT&T and Nokia expect to make this offer available in the 2nd half of 2016. Executives from both companies will attend DistribuTECH® 2016 in Orlando.

*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.

**"The Internet of Things (IoT): How Real is it Today?," Dec. 2015, Frost & Sullivan. 

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) helps millions around the globe connect with leading entertainment, mobile, high speed Internet and voice services. We're the world's largest provider of pay TV. We have TV customers in the U.S. and 11 Latin American countries. We offer the best global coverage of any U.S. wireless provider*. And we help businesses worldwide serve their customers better with our mobility and highly secure cloud solutions.

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*Global coverage claim based on offering discounted voice and data roaming; LTE roaming; voice roaming; and world-capable smartphone and tablets in more countries than any other U.S. based carrier. International service required.  Coverage not available in all areas. Coverage may vary per country and be limited/restricted in some countries.

About Nokia
Nokia is a global leader in the technologies that connect people and things. Powered by the innovation of Bell Labs and Nokia Technologies, the company is at the forefront of creating and licensing the technologies that are increasingly at the heart of our connected lives. 

With state-of-the-art software, hardware and services for any type of network, Nokia is uniquely positioned to help communication service providers, governments, and large enterprises deliver on the promise of 5G, the Cloud and the Internet of Things. http://nokia.com

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. 

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SOURCE AT&T Inc.

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