AT&T Plans to Invest Nearly $40 Million in Arkansas Wireless Network in 2008

Three-Year Investment Expected to Total More Than $125 Million, Bringing Wireless Customers an Enhanced Network and Innovative Services

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., April 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), the world's largest communications company, today announced a total planned investment of nearly $40 million in the Arkansas wireless network in 2008. This will bring AT&T's planned three-year wireless investment in Arkansas to a total of more than $125 million, further demonstrating AT&T's commitment to provide Arkansans with a stronger, expanded network and the newest wireless technologies and features.

"Our goal is to ensure that AT&T customers have the very best wireless experience possible, and that includes providing unmatched coverage, quality of service, competitive calling plans and innovative wireless devices," said Larry Evans, vice president and general manager of AT&T's wireless unit in Arkansas and Oklahoma. "This year's investment will enhance coverage in the places our customers live and work, and the planned expansion of our 3G network will allow more customers to enjoy increased data and video speeds while they are on the go."

As part of the 2008 wireless network investment, AT&T plans to add 34 new cell sites and to roll out its higher-speed wireless network in additional communities throughout the state.

In 2008, new sites and other network enhancements will be deployed to expand wireless coverage for consumers and businesses -- including enhanced coverage to those living and working in the Fort Smith, Hot Springs and Little Rock metro areas; Benton and Washington counties and in southwestern Arkansas and the Arkansas River Valley.

AT&T is also delivering dramatic change in Arkansas through the introduction and deployment of third-generation (3G) wireless broadband network, which offers customers access to broadband-type speeds for their laptops, with the ability to access the Internet and work with e-mail from within the 3G network. Customers with 3G handsets have quick access to the latest news, weather, music, entertainment, videos, games and pictures through MEdia(TM) Net, the company's mobile Internet portal.

This year, AT&T is expanding its wireless 3G network in the United States to more than 80 additional cities, bringing AT&T's 3G wireless services to 350 leading U.S. markets. Later this year, 3G service will be launched in Texarkana and will be expanded in Little Rock.

"Technology is vitally important to Arkansas' growth, and that's why I'm excited about the news of AT&T's latest investment in Arkansas," said Arkansas state Rep. David Johnson. "Everyone in our state wins when we have more technology, more innovation and more choices."

Edward Drilling, state president of AT&T Arkansas, said: "Through investments such as this, we're able to ensure that as many Arkansans as possible remain connected in every way -- whether they want voice, data, high speed Internet service or entertainment. We're committed to providing consumers unprecedented choice and flexibility in devices, applications and service plans so that they have access to the people, information and entertainment they care about."

AT&T's wireless network is based on the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) technology, the most open and widely used network platform in the world. AT&T plans to complete the nation's first High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA)-enabled network by the middle of the year. HSUPA substantially increases upload speeds on the 3G network, allowing AT&T's HSUPA-enabled laptop users to send large files faster and take full advantage of the latest interactive Internet and business applications.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may 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 or revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) 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 and the nation's leading wireless, 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 its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. 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/.

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Source: AT&T Inc.

CONTACT: Natasha Collins of AT&T Inc., +1-214-665-1327, cell,
+1-214-538-6256, ncollins@attnews.us

Web site: http://www.att.com/

2008-04-15 19:32:47 0336878 PRNEWSWIRE