AT&T Invested Nearly $80 Million In South Dakota From 2010 Through 2012 To Enhance Speeds, Reliability And Performance For Customers

AT&T* invested nearly $80 million in its South Dakota wireless and wireline networks from 2010 through 2012, with a focus on expanding 4G mobile Internet coverage and enhancing the overall performance of its networks.

AT&T has made nearly 90 wireless network upgrades in six key categories in South Dakota during 2012, including activating new cell sites, adding capacity, upgrading cell sites to provide fast 4G mobile Internet speeds, deploying high-capacity Ethernet connections to cell sites, and adding or upgrading Distributed Antenna Systems, which boost wireless coverage and capacity in buildings and at major venues like convention halls or sports arenas.

"We know our customers depend on us for fast, reliable mobile Internet connections at home, work and everywhere in between," said Hardmon Williams, AT&T vice president and general manager for South Dakota, Minnesota and the Northern Plains. "Delivering for our South Dakota customers is a top priority and our ongoing investment here is designed to deliver a superior mobile Internet experience, encompassing speed, coverage and reliability."

"One of the reasons South Dakota has become such a dynamic place to live, work, and conduct business, can be attributed to the contributions of companies such as AT&T," said S.D. State Senate President Pro Tem Corey Brown. "AT&T's continued investment in our state's technology infrastructure makes possible the efficient communications and connectivity that are keys to building and strengthening South Dakota's business community. We need to continue to adopt pro-business policy that encourages this type of investment."

"We're proud to invest in South Dakota and expand our wireless broadband network to support growing demand for the latest wireless devices and capabilities," said Cheryl Riley, director, External Affairs- AT&T South Dakota. "We'd like to applaud policymakers for seeking a pro-business environment that provides regulatory certainty and encourages private investment in our state's communications infrastructure. This type of investment helps spur economic development, job creation and greater access to healthcare, education and other vital services."

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