AT&T Expands Mobile Broadband Coverage in the Knoxville Area
50 Existing Cell Sites Activated with 3G Technology in Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Knox and Union Counties as Part of Ongoing AT&T Investment in Local Wireless Network
KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its continuing network investment to support growing demand for advanced mobile devices and applications, AT&T* today announced the activation of 50 existing cell sites with 3G cell technology in Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Knox, and Union counties. These new 3G sites will enhance wireless coverage for area residents and businesses. With AT&T mobile broadband speeds, customers can talk on their phones, surf the Web, download files faster, and enjoy the very latest interactive mobile applications all at the same time.
Additional plans include the activation of 49 existing cell sites with 3G technology this fall in five counties surrounding Knoxville which include Jefferson, Loudon, Monroe, Roane and Sevier.
Earlier this year, AT&T unveiled its Tennessee wireless network investment plans which include the addition of more than 20 new cell sites and the upgrade of approximately 525 additional cell sites to 3G throughout the state. From 2007 through 2009, AT&T's total capital investment in its Tennessee wireless and wireline networks was more than $1 billion.
AT&T has invested nearly $200 million in Tennessee in the first half of 2010 as part of the company's ongoing efforts to help customers get the most out of all their AT&T services, whether it's on the go with their smartphones, tablets, netbooks and laptops or at home with U-verse and broadband. The investment includes new cell sites, an expanded mobile broadband footprint and additional capacity for its wireless network.
The new cell sites activated with 3G technology are just one part of AT&T's ongoing efforts to extend its mobile broadband wireless network – the fastest in the nation and in Knoxville, according to expert, independent testing. AT&T has continued to drive investment and innovation to deliver the nation's best, most advanced mobile broadband experience for customers.
"This 3G service across these five counties will now keep our residents connected and assist with our economic development efforts," said Senate Speaker Pro Tempore Jamie Woodson. "Investment like this continues to drive economic growth in our area."
"Our goal is pretty simple: We want our customers to have an extraordinary experience when they make a call, check e-mail, download a song or video, or surf the Internet on their AT&T device," said Jim Thorpe, vice president and general manager of AT&T mobility and consumer markets. "As part of the greater Knoxville community, we're always looking for new opportunities to provide enhanced coverage, and our investment in the local wireless network is just one way to accomplish this."
"We are fortunate to have a state legislature who understands that technology policy has contributed to a business environment that attracts investment and infrastructure upgrades," Allen Neel, President & CEO, East Tennessee Economic Development Agency.
The new cell sites are one of many ongoing network initiatives planned to enhance coverage and capacity across the country. AT&T recently upgraded 3G cell sites nationwide to High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2. Future plans include another upgrade to HSPA+ technology at the end of this year followed by the initial deployment next year of LTE, the next-generation of wireless technology. These advancements, when combined with an ongoing initiative to increase the number of high-speed backhaul connections to cell sites, are a part of AT&T's strategy to provide customers with an enhanced mobile broadband experience, both today and in the future.
"When we invest in smart wireless networks, we bring the innovation that's needed to grow the economy and create jobs," said Alan Hill, regional director, external affairs, AT&T Tennessee. "We commend Senator Woodson and the Tennessee General Assembly to create an environment that encourages ongoing investment across the state."
AT&T's 3G mobile broadband network is based on the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) family of technologies that includes GSM and UMTS, the most widely used wireless network platforms in the world. AT&T has the best international coverage of any U.S. wireless provider, providing access to voice service in over 220 countries and data service in more than 195 countries. AT&T also offers voice and data roaming coverage on more than 135 major cruise ships, as well as 3G services in more than 120 countries.
For more information about AT&T's 3G coverage in Tennessee or anywhere in the United States, consumers can visit http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer. Using the online tool, AT&T customers can measure coverage quality of coverage from a street address, intersection, ZIP code or even a landmark.
For updates on the AT&T wireless network, please visit www.att.com/networknews.
*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 mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also 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® 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. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE® magazine.
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