AT&T Upgrades Network in Illinois, Will Launch Faster Service for Former Alltel Customers

AT&T expands nation's most reliable 4G LTE network in southern Illinois, invests in new store locations and supports Saluki Athletics

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Dec 05, 2014, 11:00 ET

CARBONDALE, Ill., Dec. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 40,000 former Alltel wireless customers in Illinois (Alexander, Clay, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Lawrence, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Richland, Saline, Union, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, White and Williamson counties) will see a change as AT&T¹ launches service for them next week. AT&T acquired Alltel's wireless operations in September 2013. The transaction included subscribers, spectrum and retail and network assets.

Since then, AT&T has been hard at work upgrading the network to combine the strength of Alltel's local coverage with AT&T's 4G LTE network, the most reliable 4G LTE network in the nation covering more than 300 million people.²The upgraded network was launched earlier this week.

"We've worked day and night to upgrade our network in Illinois so that former Alltel customers will have a great experience with AT&T," said Nancy Garvey, Vice President and General Manager of AT&T. "These customers will have access to a better combined network; in fact, AT&T's 4G LTE network is capable of data speeds up to 10 times faster than the 3G speeds on the former Alltel network. Customers now also enjoy the latest smartphones and tablets and have award-winning retail locations to meet their wireless needs."³

Former Alltel customers will have access to AT&T's 4G LTE network.But speed and reliability enhancements are not the only benefits for these customers. The upgraded network in Illinois offers service on significantly more cell towers than the Alltel network and better call quality.⁴ Former Alltel subscribers aren't the only ones to benefit. With the upgrades, existing AT&T cell towers can now provide enhanced indoor coverage and cover a wider area from each cell tower. In addition, the integration of former Alltel towers into the upgraded network has increased AT&T's cell towers in these areas of Illinois by nearly 75 percent. So, all subscribers in these parts of the state will benefit from a better high speed Internet experience on their mobile devices.

"AT&T's investment — in network infrastructure, store improvements and the jobs that accompany both — show the company's overall commitment to this area," said Carbondale Mayor Don Monty. "These upgrades are important to the people and businesses in southern Illinois, who want and need access to the same technological tools enjoyed in larger communities. We are delighted to welcome these positive changes within our region."

Former Alltel customers need new handsets to use the new faster AT&T network. All former Alltel wireless postpaid customers in Illinois were given the option to receive a new comparable device from AT&T at no additional cost and with no time added to their contracts. They also could choose an upgraded device from AT&T's exciting lineup of smartphones.⁵ Prepaid customers received special offers for new devices and plans. Starting next week these customers will activate their new AT&T devices and begin using the faster, higher quality network.

AT&T also upgraded or relocated some former Alltel retail locations. AT&T customers, including former Alltel subscribers, in Illinois may now visit the following retail stores to learn more about AT&T's latest products or services:

AT&T Company Owned Retail Stores:

Carbondale: 1236 E. Main
Marion: 2406 Williamson County Parkway
Mount Vernon: 4805 Broadway Ave.

AT&T Authorized Retail Stores:

Du Quoin: 204 Southtowne Shopping Center
Harrisburg: 303 Commercial Street
Benton: 918 Giancone Drive
West Frankfort: 8 West Frankfort Plaza
Fairfield: 1003 Commerce Dr.
Olney: 1003 C Northwest St.

AT&T is committed to ensuring everyone who walks through the door of one of our stores receives smart, friendly and fast service. As a result J.D. Power awarded AT&T the "Highest Satisfaction with the Purchase Experience among Full-Service Wireless Providers" in its 2014, Volume 1 study.⁶ Former Alltel customers can also visit any authorized retailer location or national retailer location that offers AT&T products and services.

Customers with general questions about the transition from Alltel to AT&T can visit www.att.com/alltel. Or for details about their new devices, they can visit www.att.com/mynewphone. Customers may also call (800) 331-0500 or speak with an AT&T sales rep at any AT&T retail location.

Finally, AT&T is proud to deepen its commitment to the community and customers through its 2014-2015 sponsorship of the Southern Illinois University Salukis. AT&T already proudly supported SIU's academic programs, specifically the Summer Bridge to Success, and now we are excited to extend that support to the Saluki Athletic Program.

"At AT&T, we're big sports fans and we know our customers are, too," said Garvey. "With this sponsorship, we hope to enhance the Saluki fan experience and embrace the traditions enjoyed by our customers and employees throughout southern Illinois."

¹ 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.

² Reliability: Based on 3rd party data regarding nationwide carriers' 4G LTE. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. 4G LTE not available everywhere.

³ 10x faster 4G LTE claim compares 4G LTE download speeds to industry average 3G download speeds. Access to 4G LTE requires an LTE-capable handset. 4G LTE speeds not available everywhere. Learn more about 4G LTE at att.com/network.

⁴ Based on general comparison between 3GCDMA network and AT&T 4G network technical capabilities, individual coverage and service experience will vary. Compatible device required. Coverage not available everywhere.

⁵ Customers choosing an upgraded AT&T device were required to select an AT&T Mobile Share Value Plan.

⁶ AT&T received the highest numerical score among full service wireless providers in the proprietary J.D. Power 2013 (Vol. 2) and 2014 (Vol. 1) Full Service Wireless Purchase Experience Study^SM. Study based on 8,525 (Purchase Experience) consumer responses measuring 4 full service wireless providers and measures opinions of consumers who purchased a wireless product or service within last 6 months. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed July-December 2013. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com

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 global wireless coverage, based on offering roaming in more countries than any other U.S. based carrier, and offers 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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