MONTGOMERY, Ala., Oct. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* Fixed Wireless Internet1 for rural and underserved locations is now available to residents and small businesses in parts of 39 counties across Alabama.
This rollout, now in 18 states, began in 2017. The company now offers Fixed Wireless Internet (FWI) to over 440,000 locations across 18 states with plans to provide access to over 1.1 million locations by the end of 2020.
"In today's digital economy, access to reliable broadband service is critical. My colleagues and I are working hard to create an environment that supports private investment and enhanced broadband access for all Alabamians. I applaud AT&T's continued investment and am pleased Fixed Wireless Internet is now available in parts of 39 Alabama counties," said U.S. Congressman Robert Aderholt. "With the use of multiple technologies across Alabama, we will close the access gaps that exist in some of our rural communities."
Fixed Wireless Internet service delivers an internet connection with download speeds of at least 10Mbps and upload speeds of at least 1Mbps. The connection comes from a wireless tower to a fixed antenna on a customer's home or business. This is an efficient way to deliver high-quality, high-speed internet to customers living in underserved rural areas1.
"AT&T's Fixed Wireless Internet is offering my family more options in our everyday lives, at an affordable price," said Shannon Ary, AT&T Fixed Wireless customer. "With FWI, my husband and I can now work from home, which is life-changing, and our children have increased access to educational tools at home, not to mention videos and gaming with friends. We are excited to have access to this innovative technology and pleased AT&T continues to enhance high-speed connectivity in Arkadelphia and other rural communities across Alabama."
The towers used to provide this service are connected to AT&T's network using AT&T fiber optics. AT&T has more than 2 million strand miles of fiber optics covering Alabama, which enables the company to offer a wide variety of products and services delivering the high-speed connectivity Alabama businesses and residents need.
Parts of the following 39 counties in Alabama are now eligible for AT&T Fixed Wireless Internet service: Autauga, Baldwin, Barbour, Bibb, Blount, Butler, Calhoun, Chambers, Chilton, Colbert, Coosa, Cullman, Dallas, Elmore, Escambia, Fayette, Franklin, Greene, Hale, Jefferson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lee, Limestone, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Mobile, Montgomery, Morgan, Russell, Shelby, Sumter, Talladega, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Walker, Washington and Winston.
"Our elected officials have created an environment that welcomes this level of innovation from AT&T and others in the private sector," said Wayne Vardaman, executive director of the Selma-Dallas County Economic Development Authority. "But, we must remember that the communications industry is rapidly changing. Alabama must remove barriers to infrastructure deployment – to pave the way for small cell deployment and future technologies such as 5G and AirGig, which could be a gamechanger for rural Alabama."
"The thousands of dedicated men and women who work for AT&T and call Alabama home are proud to work with our state's leadership to provide the connectivity Alabama's residents and businesses demand," said AT&T Alabama President Wayne Hutchens. "Through this innovative service, we are helping close the remaining gap in our state."
In addition to Alabama, AT&T Fixed Wireless Internet is available to residents and businesses in parts of Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin.
To learn more about Fixed Wireless Internet from AT&T, go to att.com/internet/fixed-wireless.html.
AT&T in Alabama:
AT&T invested nearly $1.2 billion in its wireless and wireline networks in Alabama between 2015 through 2017. This drives upgrades to reliability, coverage, speed and performance for residents and business customers.
1Includes 170GB data allowance per month. Req's installation of AT&T outdoor antenna & indoor Residential Gateway. $10/50GB of additional data up to a max of $200/mo.
Cautionary Language Regarding 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 Inc.'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 Communications
We 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 largest and most reliable network and the nation's best network for video streaming.** We're building FirstNet just for first responders and creating next-generation mobile 5G. With DIRECTV and DIRECTV NOW, we deliver entertainment people love to talk about. Our smart, highly secure solutions serve over 3 million global businesses – nearly all of the Fortune 1000. And worldwide, our spirit of service drives employees to give back to their communities.
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**Coverage not available everywhere. Based on overall coverage in U.S. licensed/roaming areas. Reliability based on voice and data performance from independent 3rd party data.
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SOURCE AT&T Inc.
