VAN WERT, Ohio, July 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* has turned on the nation's most reliable 4G LTE network** in Van Wert, bringing customers the latest generation of wireless network technology. Watch here to see several of the benefits AT&T 4G LTE provides, including:

• Faster speeds. LTE technology is capable of delivering mobile Internet speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G.*** Customers can stream, download, upload and game faster than ever before.
• Reliability. AT&T has the nation's most reliable 4G LTE network.
• Cool new devices. AT&T offers several LTE-compatible devices, including new AT&T 4G LTE smartphones and tablets.
• Faster response time. LTE technology offers lower latency than other wireless technologies,  which means faster processing time to move data through a network, such as initiating a webpage or file download. Lower latency helps to improve services like mobile gaming, two-way video calling and telemedicine.
• More efficient use of spectrum. Wireless spectrum is a finite resource, and LTE uses spectrum more efficiently than other technologies, creating more space to carry data traffic and services and to deliver a better network experience.

"I am pleased to see this excellent development. We have been working on ways for northwest Ohio's businesses and consumers to become even more competitive and it is great to see this project come to fruition," said State Senator Cliff Hite.

"I'm proud to say that Van Wert is now among the communities enjoying this cutting-edge technology," said State Representative Tony Burkley. "AT&T's investment is an example of the company's overall commitment to this area, and builds on our reputation as a strong region for business investment."

AT&T's 4G Network

This expansion is part of AT&T's Project Velocity IP (VIP), a three-year investment plan announced in Fall 2012 to expand and enhance its IP broadband networks. Through this investment, AT&T is supporting its customers' growing desire for high-speed Internet access and new mobile, app and cloud-based services. As part of Project VIP, AT&T plans to add macro cell sites nationwide by year-end 2015, as well as deploy small cells and add Distributed Antenna Systems to increase the density of its wireless network. 

"We continue to see demand for mobile Internet skyrocket, and our 4G LTE network in Van Wert responds to what customers want from their mobile experience — more, faster, reliably, on the best devices," said AT&T External Affairs Director Mark Romito. "We'll continue to invest and transform our infrastructure in response to the demands of the Ohio marketplace."

AT&T's innovation and investment have resulted in a nationwide 4G network with ultra-fast speeds and a consistent user experience. AT&T's focus to deliver the best possible mobile Internet experience goes beyond 4G to embrace additional connection technologies. AT&T operates more than 34,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots at popular restaurants, hotels, bookstores and retailers, and provides access to more than 1 million globally through roaming agreements. 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 Systems, 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.

AT&T invested more than $1.6 billion in its Ohio wireless and wireline networks from 2011 through 2013, with a focus on expanding 4G LTE mobile Internet coverage and enhancing the overall performance of its networks.  Additionally, in 2013 AT&T hired more than 900 new employees in Ohio, many as the result of continued investment in Ohio to support customer service and network operations.

Over the past six years (2008 to 2013), AT&T invested more than $140 billion into its wireless and wireline networks, when you combine capital investment and acquisitions of spectrum and wireless operations. Since 2008, AT&T has invested more capital into the U.S. economy than any other public company. In a September 2013 report, the Progressive Policy Institute ranked AT&T No. 1 on its list of U.S. "Investment Heroes."

* 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.
** Reliability claim based on third party data regarding nationwide carriers' 4G LTE. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. 4G LTE not available everywhere.
*** Up to 10x claim compares 4G LTE download speeds to industry average 3G download speeds. Learn more about 4G LTE at att.com/network.
**** 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 internationally. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's most reliable 4G LTE network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best global wireless coverage, based on offering roaming in more countries than any other U.S. based carrier, and offers the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV service with the AT&T U-verse® brand. 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://about.att.com or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/att and YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/att.

© 2014 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. 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 press release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might 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 and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

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SOURCE AT&T Inc.