AT&T Invests Nearly $625 Million Over 3-Year Period to Boost Local Networks in Virginia

RICHMOND, Va., July 9, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- At AT&T¹, we invested nearly $625 million in our Virginia wireless and wired networks during 2016-2018. These investments boost reliability, coverage, speed and overall performance for residents and businesses. We've also improved critical services that support Public Safety and first responders using the FirstNet communications platform.

AT&T's wireless network covers more than 99% of all Americans and has become the fastest wireless network in the nation, according to the first quarter 2019 results from tests taken with Speedtest and analyzed by Ookla.  

In 2018, AT&T made 1,442 wireless network upgrades in Virginia. This includes new cell sites, addition of network capacity, and new wireless high-speed Internet connections.

"Virginia is well-positioned to advance innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship to support economic growth and job creation. If we want to realize our full potential, we need smart public policies and strong technology infrastructure. AT&T's significant investment in our Commonwealth will help us achieve our goals," said Barry DuVal, president and CEO, Virginia Chamber of Commerce.

Following the passage of state legislation in recent years, AT&T will continue its investment in Virginia with additional upgrades.

"In 2017 and 2018, Virginia leaders passed legislation that encourages companies to invest more in wireless infrastructure. We're now speeding our wireless build out plans in Virginia with tens of millions of dollars dedicated to improving our mobile network," said Vince Apruzzese, president, AT&T Virginia. "Our investment will further enhance local networks to meet growing demand for mobile broadband and serve as the foundation for services like 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), smart cities and more." 

By building out our 4G LTE network, we're boosting network speeds and capacity, as we continue to expand the availability of our network and upgrade our technology.

Additionally, for the 5th consecutive year we've landed on Fortune magazine's list of the "World's Most Admired" companies. It's also the 6th year in a row we've appeared on the Global Top 50 list – no other telecom company made the Top 50.

Transforming Public Safety CommunicationsFirstNet is Public Safety's dedicated, nationwide communications platform. It is for all first responders – career and volunteer, urban or rural. It's bringing public safety communications into the 21st century with new, innovative capabilities, helping first responders connect to the critical information they need – every day and in every emergency.

Building upon our current and planned investments in Virginia, we continue to extend the reach and increase the capacity of the FirstNet communications platform:

FirstNet is built with AT&T in a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority – an independent agency within the federal government. This helps ensure that the FirstNet communications platform and service offerings meet the short- and long-term needs of the public safety community.

To learn more about our wireless coverage in Virginia, or anywhere in the U.S., visit the AT&T Coverage Viewer. For updates on the AT&T wireless network, please visit the AT&T network news page.

¹ 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.2 Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data average download speeds for Q1 2019. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.3Based on AT&T analysis of Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® nationwide data average download speeds for Q1 2019. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking StatementsInformation 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 CommunicationsWe help family, friends and neighbors connect in meaningful ways every day. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to mobile video streaming, we innovate to improve lives. We have the nation's fastest wireless network.** And according to America's biggest test, we have the nation's best wireless network.*** We're building FirstNet just for first responders and creating next-generation mobile 5G. With DIRECTV, DIRECTV NOW and WatchTV, we deliver entertainment people love to talk about. Our smart, highly secure solutions serve nearly 3 million global businesses – nearly all of the Fortune 1000. And worldwide, our spirit of service drives employees to give back to their communities.

AT&T Communications is part of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T). Learn more at att.com/CommunicationsNews.

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. Additional information about AT&T products and services is available at about.att.com. Follow our news on Twitter at , on Facebook at facebook.com/att and on YouTube at youtube.com/att.

© 2019 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the Globe logo and other marks are trademarks and service marks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

**Based on analysis by Ookla of Speedtest Intelligence data average download speeds for Q1 2019. ***According to America's biggest test as announced by Global Wireless Solutions last fall.

FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks of the First Responder Network Authority.

To define a market, we rely on the Core Based Statistical Areas (CBSA), as established by the United States Office of Management and Budget. Minor differences, if any, between annual totals reflect annual updating of market boundaries in our record systems.

From FORTUNE Magazine. 2019 Time Inc. FORTUNE© and The World's Most Admired Companies are registered trademarks of Time Inc. and are used under License. FORTUNE and Time Inc. are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, AT&T.

Source: Prnewswire.com

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