RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* is driving investment and innovation across Virginia to deliver superior 4G service and the best possible mobile Internet experience.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120612/DA23287LOGO)

In the first half of 2012, AT&T invested $141 million in its Virginia wireless and wired networks.  Network upgrades include activation of new cell sites or towers to improve network coverage, deploying faster connections to enable 4G speeds, and adding spectrum capacity to support additional traffic.  First-half upgrade highlights include an expansion of our 4G LTE** network across Northern Virginia and mobile Internet expansion in Lynchburg. AT&T network upgrades in Virginia also include deployment of new Wi-Fi hot spots and backbone network connections. 

"We're working to build a high-speed network that's smarter and better to provide our customers with a superior mobile Internet experience," said Vince Apruzzese, regional vice president, AT&T-Virginia. "The ongoing investment we're making across Virginia is designed to increase 4G coverage, reliability and speed.  We also continue to invest in technologies like Wi-Fi and distributed antenna systems to help provide customers with the best connections when they want it, whatever they're doing."

"Businesses and consumers across Virginia want and need more mobile Internet access, and AT&T is making it possible," said Michel Zajur of the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. "Their ongoing investments in the Commonwealth will benefit our businesses and their customers tremendously."

AT&T's innovation and investment has resulted in the nation's largest 4G network, covering 275 million people with ultra-fast speeds and a more consistent user experience.  AT&T is the only U.S. service provider to deploy two compatible 4G technologies to deliver more speed to more customers.  And only AT&T's 4G network lets iPhone 4S download three times faster.

AT&T's focus to deliver the best possible mobile Internet experience goes beyond 4G to embrace additional connection technologies.  AT&T operates the nation's largest Wi-Fi network** including more than 30,000 AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots at popular restaurants, hotels, bookstores and retailers across the country.  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.

AT&T also is a leading developer of Distributed Antenna System (DAS) networks, which utilize multiple small antennas to maximize coverage and speed within stadiums, convention centers, office buildings, hotels and other areas where traditional coverage methods are challenging. 

Over the past five years, AT&T invested more than $115 billion into operations and into acquiring spectrum and other assets that have enhanced our wireless and wired networks. Since 2007, AT&T has invested more capital into the U.S. economy than any other public company.  In a July 2012 report, the Progressive Policy Institute ranked AT&T No. 1 on its list of U.S. "Investment Heroes."

For more information about AT&T's coverage in Virginia or anywhere in the United States, consumers can visit the AT&T Coverage Viewer.  For updates on the AT&T wireless network, please visit the 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.
** 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.

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.

© 2012 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.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.