[March 10, 2009] AT&T Continues to Invest in Oklahoma, Unveils 2009 Expansion Plans Tweet OKLAHOMA CITY, March 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As people's lives become increasingly fast-paced and their need for connectivity greater, AT&T* today unveiled its 2009 Oklahoma expansion plans. The expansion of AT&T technologies and launches in new markets further demonstrates AT&T's commitment to provide Oklahoma with a stronger, expanded network and the newest technologies and features. AT&T also announced that the company invested more than $675 million in its Oklahoma network from 2006 to 2008. AT&T plans to add more than 30 new cell sites throughout Oklahoma in 2009. It also plans to launch its third-generation (3G) mobile broadband network in Ada, Ardmore, Enid and Muskogee. The plans are part of AT&T's ongoing expansion of its 3G network, the nation's fastest 3G network, according to recent data compiled by leading independent wireless research firms. AT&T will also continue expanding the availability of AT&T U-verse(SM) services, including AT&T U-verse TV, AT&T U-verse High Speed Internet and AT&T U-verse Voice. AT&T U-verse TV and Internet launched in parts of Oklahoma City in August 2007 and AT&T introduced U-verse triple-play in parts of Tulsa in July 2008. AT&T plans to continue expanding the service on an ongoing basis. "The ongoing expansion of critical wireless access around the state provides Oklahomans with faster and better options for reaching emergency services and business communications," said Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry. "Creating a more robust communications infrastructure provides numerous benefits to Oklahoma consumers and is a big plus in terms of bolstering economic development and luring new companies and industry to our state." "We're committed to delivering dependable, high speed broadband access in more places across Oklahoma for consumers and business customers who need to stay connected to work, family and friends," said Bryan Gonterman, president, AT&T Oklahoma. "The ongoing investment we're making in Oklahoma will help us fulfill this vision." "Our number one priority in 2009 is to continue to enhance the wireless and wired networks so our customers have a top notch experience every time they make a call, send a text, check an e-mail or watch TV," said Steve Gray, vice president and general manager, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets, Arkansas and Oklahoma. New Coverage - 2009 Build-Out Plans AT&T's 2009 network build-out plan for Oklahoma includes more than 30 new cell sites. Some of these new cell sites will be located across the Oklahoma City and Tulsa areas and in Shawnee. Chickasha, Lawton, Stillwater, Weatherford and several other areas also will receive new cell sites and additional AT&T coverage. This plan builds on AT&T's 2008 investment in which it added nearly 20 new cell sites in Oklahoma. AT&T also launched its 3G network in Shawnee, Lawton and Bartlesville, and completed 3G expansions in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas last year. AT&T's 3G network is now available in nearly 350 U.S. major metropolitan areas. AT&T also recently completed the integration of nearly 275 cell sites in Oklahoma that AT&T acquired from Dobson Communications. The former Dobson sites are in the following counties: Adair, Cherokee, Craig, Delaware, Garfield, Mayes, McIntosh, Muskogee, Nowata, Okmulgee, Ottawa, Pittsburg and Washington. Across its national footprint, AT&T is investing billions of dollars to build the advanced broadband networks, both wired and wireless, that will create jobs and fuel economic growth. AT&T also is investing in its employees by creating and preserving high-tech jobs that pay well, have good benefits and provide opportunities for training and advancement. AT&T's wireless network is based on GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) technologies, the most open and widely used wireless network platform in the world. As a result, only AT&T can offer 3G data roaming in more than 70 countries, as well as voice calling in more than 200 countries, in addition to AT&T's constant 3G expansion in the U.S. Nearly all devices in AT&T's current portfolio are "world phones" that can be used globally. AT&T operates 33 AT&T-owned retail locations in Oklahoma. AT&T's products and services are also available at 260 other authorized dealers and national retail locations in the state. For more information about AT&T's wireless coverage in Oklahoma or anywhere in the United States, consumers can go to http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/. The online tool can measure the quality of coverage based on a street address, intersection, ZIP code or even a landmark. For additional information on AT&T U-verse TV -- or to find out if it's available in your area -- visit http://uverse.att.com/ or stop by the nearest retail location. *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. 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. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services, the nation's fastest 3G network and the best wireless coverage worldwide, and the nation's leading high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of their three-screen integration strategy, AT&T operating companies are expanding their TV entertainment offerings. In 2009, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE(R) magazine's list of the World's Most Admired Companies. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com/. (C) 2009 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. AT&T Inc. CONTACT: Andy Morgan of AT&T Inc., +1-405-291-2758, cell,+1-405-640-4560 Web Site: http://www.att.com/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]