AT&T Turns Up the Volume in the Wausau Area
Celebration of Mobile Broadband Expansion Coincides with Launch of Cell Phones for Soldiers Drive for Local Residents
WAUSAU, Wis., Oct. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In conjunction with the rollout of AT&T's mobile broadband network in Marathon and Lincoln Counties, AT&T* is inviting consumers in the Wausau area to honor past and present military members by recycling old cell phones through AT&T's support of the Cell Phones for Soldiers program.
"When you donate your used cell phones to Cell Phones for Soldiers, your phones are either reconditioned and reused — or they're disposed of in an environmentally friendly way," said Dave Fine, vice president and general manager for AT&T in Wisconsin and Illinois. "Best of all, the proceeds provide free phone cards for U.S. military families. We have donation boxes at all of our AT&T-owned retail stores – including right here in Wausau – and we invite you to stop by."
Wisconsin Assembly Majority Leader Scott Suder (R-Abbotsford) says that recycling cell phones to benefit those in the military is the least we can do to recognize the sacrifices they make to serve our country. As a former member of Wisconsin's 115th Fighter Wing, Rep. Suder served three tours of duty in the Middle East.
"Our soldiers serving overseas put their lives on the line for this country in dangerous and often deadly situations every day," Rep. Suder said. "This program provides a vital lifeline for them to stay in contact with their families back home, helping to boost morale and provide the emotional support they need in the face of tremendous hardships."
Wireless customers are encouraged to drop their old cell phones off at AT&T's Wausau store, located at 4101 Rib Mountain Drive. The Cell Phones for Soldiers program was founded in 2004 by teenagers Brittany and Robbie Bergquist as a way for military families serving overseas to keep in touch with family back home.
Since July 2007, AT&T has been offering consumers two easy ways to donate phones for the cause. Wireless customers, regardless of carrier, are invited to drop off used cell phones and accessories at any of the 2,000-plus AT&T-owned stores across the U.S. or, they can download free shipping labels from www.att.com/recyclewireless. Free online tools are also available to support community groups and help individuals launch and conduct their own donation drives with a new electronic "starter kit" available on the web site.
Mobile Broadband Expansion
AT&T's efforts in the Wausau area continue to grow, both in reaching out to the community through community service efforts and in providing expanded mobile broadband services. Wisconsin State Senator Pam Galloway (R-Wausau) says that AT&T's expanded mobile broadband footprint is an asset for local communities.
"We are very pleased to see AT&T expand coverage further into needed areas in Marathon County," Sen. Galloway said. "Improved access to reliable broadband is something that will benefit both residents and local businesses. We appreciate the efforts AT&T has made to increase access in Central Wisconsin."
New areas of expanded mobile broadband coverage in Marathon County include: Abbotsford, Athens, Colby, Edgar, Eland, Hatley, Kronenwetter, Marshfield, Mosinee, Ringle, Rothschild, Schofield, Spencer, Wausau and Weston, and along Routes 52 and 153, Highway 29, and County Roads J and Q. In Lincoln County, wireless coverage has been enhanced for customers in Merrill, and along Highway 51 and County Highway FF.
"Delivering dependable wireless coverage for businesses and consumers who need to stay connected is our ultimate objective," said Scott T. VanderSanden, president of AT&T Wisconsin. "AT&T's ongoing investments in the state will help ensure our customers have access to the wireless services that drive economic growth in Wisconsin. Our agreement to acquire T-Mobile USA also represents a major commitment to strengthen and expand our network. This deal, if approved, means we'll be able to expand the next generation of mobile broadband – 4G LTE – to more than 97 percent of the U.S. population. That means we'll reach an additional 55 million Americans – including many in rural and smaller communities like Wausau throughout northern Wisconsin."
For more information about AT&T's efforts to support military families, please visit www.att.com/troopsupport.
For more information about AT&T's sustainability efforts, please visit www.att.com/sustainability.
*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 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.
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