ASHLAND, Ohio, Oct. 7, 2011/PRNewswire/ -- As part of its continuing network investment to support growing demand for [ mobile devices ] and services, AT&T* today announced the activation of a new cell site in Ashland that is expected to enhance [ network coverage ] for area residents and businesses in the U.S. Route 42 corridor between Ashland and Mansfield.

"AT&T's investment to increase wireless network coverage in Ashland will help consumers and local businesses, which in turn, will strengthen our local economy," said State Senator Larry Obhof. "For Ashland, and Ohio, to be able to keep and create jobs we need access to the latest technologies that the mobile network can offer our citizens and businesses."

The new cell site is one part of AT&T's ongoing efforts to drive innovation and extend its mobile network. It is also part of an ongoing investment to build the networks that will [ fuel economic growth and create jobs ], and enable AT&T's customers to quickly access the content, applications and services that matter most to them.

AT&T invested more than $200 million in its Ohio wireless and wireline networks in the first half of 2011. To-date in 2011 in Ohio, AT&T has added more than 50 new cell sites to improve network coverage, upgraded over 130 existing cell sites to provide faster mobile broadband speeds, and added capacity or an extra layer of frequency – which is like adding lanes to a highway – to more than 360 cell sites.

"More than ever before, customers look to wireless communications to stay in touch with family, friends and business colleagues," said Larry Evans, vice president and general manager, AT&T Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. "We're working to make this possible by investing in new [ wireless coverage ] in Ashland County."

"In addition, our recently announced agreement to acquire T-Mobile USA represents a major commitment to strengthen and expand our network," said Tom Pelto, president, AT&T Ohio. "If approved, this deal means that we'll be able to expand the next generation of mobile broadband – 4G LTE – from our current plan of 80 percent of the U.S. population to more than 97 percent."

AT&T's mobile network is based on the Global System for Mobile (GSM) standard, the most open and widely used wireless network platforms in the world. AT&T offers data roaming in 200 countries, as well as voice calling in more than 220 countries.

"For Ohio to keep and create jobs, our businesses and consumers need access to the latest technologies. The announcement that AT&T is enhancing its coverage in our area is great news for our economic future," said State Representative Dave Hall. "Furthermore, I am encouraged about AT&T's plans to merge with T-Mobile as this merger will increase mobile broadband opportunities in the rural areas in northern Ohio, which will help our businesses and consumers from an educational and economic perspective."

AT&T also operates [ the nation's largest Wi-Fi network ]** with nearly 27,000 hotspots in the U.S. and provides access to nearly 190,000 hotspots globally through roaming agreements. Most AT&T smartphone customers get access to our entire national Wi-Fi network at no additional cost, and Wi-Fi usage doesn't count against customers' monthly wireless data plans.

For more information about AT&T's coverage in Ashland or anywhere in the United States, consumers can visit an [ AT&T Coverage Viewer ]. The online tool can measure the quality of coverage based on a street address, intersection, ZIP code or even a landmark.

For updates on the AT&T wireless network, please visit our [ AT&T network news ] page.

*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.

** Largest based on company branded and operated hotspots. Access includes AT&T Wi-Fi Basic. A Wi-Fi enabled device required. Other restrictions apply. See [ www.attwifi.com ] for details and locations.

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.

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 ]. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at [ http://www.att.com/newsroom ] and as part of an RSS feed at [ www.att.com/rss ]. Or follow our news on Twitter at [ @ATT ].

© 2011 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. 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.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this press release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.

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AT&T Strengthens Mobile Coverage In Ashland

AT&T Strengthens Mobile Coverage In Ashland

New Cell Site Activated as Part of Ongoing AT&T Investment in Local Wireless Network