AT&T Launches Wi-Fi Hotzone in Chicago

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August 4, 2010
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AT&T Launches Wi-Fi Hotzone in Chicago

Wi-Fi Hotzone Pilot Project Expands to Wrigleyville to Help People Stay Connected in the Windy City

CHICAGO, Aug. 4 -- AT&T* today announced the launch of an AT&T Wi-Fi hotzone in Chicago that will complement the mobile broadband experience for AT&T customers who use Wi-Fi enabled devices while in Wrigleyville -- the neighborhood of restaurants and shops surrounding Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. The new Wi-Fi hotzone provides coverage along the streets and in the outdoor areas of Wrigleyville on the south, east and west sides of the stadium.

The Chicago AT&T Wi-Fi hotzone is the third to be deployed as part of a pilot project to examine using Wi-Fi to supplement AT&T's mobile broadband coverage in areas with consistently high 3G traffic and mobile data use. The first pilot AT&T Wi-Fi hotzone launched in New York City's Times Square in May, and customer response has been positive; as a result, additional Wi-Fi hotzones have been turned up in downtown Charlotte, N.C. and now Chicago.

"We are excited to introduce an AT&T Wi-Fi hotzone in Wrigleyville, on the heels of successful hotzone launches in New York and Charlotte. These pilot AT&T Wi-Fi hotzones give us the opportunity to explore new ways to utilize our Wi-Fi and 3G networks to deliver the best possible experience for our customers," said Dave Fine, vice president and general manager of AT&T in Illinois.

AT&T is using wireless technologies to mobilize everything that's important to customers - their favorite content, apps, entertainment and social networks. AT&T today delivers the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, as well as the nation's largest Wi-Fi network, giving customers the best combination of speed and coverage.

"Whether it's fans buying game tickets online, or Wrigleyville visitors sending pictures and videos to friends, many AT&T customers will benefit from this new broadband option," said Paul La Schiazza, president, AT&T Illinois. "The AT&T Wi-Fi hotzone in Wrigleyville is another example of how AT&T is continuing to bring new technologies to Chicago to maximize AT&T customers' wireless and broadband experience."

"We couldn't be more pleased that AT&T has selected Wrigleyville as one of its three Wi-Fi hotzone locations," said Jerry Roper, president and CEO of Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. "This is great news for businesses in this vibrant neighborhood, as it offers Chicagoans and visitors yet another reason to experience all that the Wrigleyville area has to offer."

The popularity of Wi-Fi service -- particularly on mobile phones -- has grown tremendously. In the second quarter 2010, AT&T handled 68.1 million Wi-Fi connections on its network, compared to just 15 million in the same quarter last year. Customers have made 121.2 million connections in the first half of 2010, already far surpassing the 85.5 million connections made in all of 2009.

Many of the most popular AT&T smartphones support auto-authentication at AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots, making it automatic and convenient for customers to connect. Customers can log onto AT&T Wi-Fi hotzones and more than 20,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots nationwide without it counting toward their monthly smartphone data usage.

AT&T's Wi-Fi network complements its wired broadband and wireless 3G networks, offering Wi-Fi connectivity at popular locations like retail stores, restaurants and coffee shops from coast-to-coast. For more information on AT&T Wi-Fi and how to connect, visit http://www.att.com/wifiaccess.

*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.

Wi-Fi enabled device required. Other restrictions apply. See http://www.attwifi.com for additional services, details and locations.

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. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest 3G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, 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. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE® magazine.

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 http://www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATTNews. Find us on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at http://www.Facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services.

© 2010 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. 3G service 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. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

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.

Source: AT&T Inc.
   

CONTACT:  Sarah Andreani of AT&T Inc., +1-214-665-1326,
sandreani@attnews.us

Web Site:  http://www.att.com/

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