AT&T Selects Alabama For National Technology Trial

BIRMINGHAM,  Ala., Feb. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* is proposing to select Carbon Hill, Alabama to work to ensure that Alabama customers, and eventually consumers and businesses across the country, benefit from the latest communications technologies.

The company announced today it has proposed to select Carbon Hill as one of two locations nationwide for a multi-year trial which will be overseen by the Federal Communications Commission. The pilot program is intended to help guide the company in developing new products and processes that can be used to seamlessly complete the rollout of AT&T's Internet-based network nationally. The announcement is in response to a request by the FCC to companies to submit proposals to conduct trials where connections and services would be rolled out in a community and offered to customers.

"We believe all consumers and businesses deserve the opportunity to be connected by the best network technology available," said Fred McCallum, President of AT&T Alabama. "This trial is going to help the entire country learn how to make that happen while assuring that consumers stay safe and connected. We look forward to strengthening America's communications future with our customers in Carbon Hill, and to preserving the values of universal service, competition, public safety, reliability and consumer protection."

For increasing numbers of consumers and businesses, daily life is filled with products and services that use the most advanced technology networks. Wireless phones connect two-way video conversations, enable instant online shopping and deliver information from around the globe. Telemedicine improves health care. Distance learning helps students of all ages connect to learning opportunities. Entrepreneurs create jobs and operate successful businesses with virtual offices. These all depend on reliable connections being available wherever you are.

AT&T has invested nearly $1.35 billion in its best-in-class wireless and wired networks in Alabama between 2011 through 2013, driving a wide range of upgrades to enhance speed, reliability, coverage and performance for residents and business customers. In the first half of 2013 alone the company upgraded more than 250 cell sites, launched or expanded 4G LTE mobile broadband to an additional 9 communities, and deployed advanced high-speed Internet connections to 6,600 customer locations.

AT&T is planning a series of community information meetings for Carbon Hill residents and businesses to learn more about the planned trial. The dates and locations of the meetings are:

In addition, more information may be found at a website at: http://ip4carbonhill.att.com.

* 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 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 wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering 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.

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SOURCE AT&T Inc.