AT&T Upgrades Network in Georgia, Will Launch Faster Service for Former Alltel Customers

Nearly 100,000 former Alltel wireless customers in Georgia1 are seeing a change as AT&T2 launches service for them. AT&T acquired Alltel’s wireless operations in September 2013. The transaction included subscribers, spectrum and retail and network assets.

Since then, AT&T has been hard at work upgrading the network to combine the strength of Alltel’s local coverage with AT&T’s 4G LTE network — the most reliable 4G LTE network with the strongest signal in the nation — covering more than 300 million people.3 The upgraded network was launched late last year with customers activating their new AT&T devices earlier this month.

“We’ve worked day and night to upgrade our network in Georgia so that former Alltel customers will have a great experience with AT&T,” said Alex Parker, AT&T Georgia/South Carolina vice president and general manager. “These customers will have access to a better combined network. In fact, AT&T’s 4G LTE network is capable of data speeds up to 10 times faster than the 3G speeds on the former Alltel network. Customers now also enjoy the latest smartphones and tablets and have award-winning retail locations to meet their wireless needs.”4

Former Alltel customers will have access to AT&T’s 4G LTE network. But speed and reliability enhancements are not the only benefits for these customers. The upgraded network in Georgia offers service on significantly more cell towers and better call quality than on the Alltel network. 5

And former Alltel subscribers aren’t the only ones to benefit. With the upgrades, existing AT&T cell towers can now provide enhanced indoor coverage and cover a wider area from each cell tower. In addition, the integration of former Alltel towers into the upgraded network has increased AT&T’s cell towers in Georgia by more than 10 percent. So, all subscribers in this part of the state will benefit from a better high speed Internet experience on their mobile devices.

“AT&T’s investment — in network infrastructure, store improvements and the jobs that accompany both — show the company’s overall commitment to this area,” said State Representative Gerald Greene. “These upgrades are important to the people and businesses in Georgia, who want and need access to the same technological tools enjoyed in larger communities. We are delighted to welcome these positive changes within our region.”

Former Alltel customers needed new handsets to use the new faster AT&T network. All former Alltel wireless postpaid customers in Georgia were given the option to receive a new comparable device from AT&T at no additional cost and with no time added to their contracts. They also could choose an upgraded device from AT&T’s exciting lineup of smartphones.6 Prepaid customers received special offers for new devices and plans.

AT&T also upgraded or relocated some former Alltel retail locations. AT&T customers, including former Alltel subscribers, in Georgia may now visit the following retail stores to learn more about AT&T’s latest products or services:

AT&T Company Owned Retail Stores:

· 1101 E. Jackson St., Thomasville, GA 31792

· 2700 Dawson Rd., Albany, GA 31707

· 1206 Crawford Street, Americus, GA 31709

· 1408 Tallahassee Hwy., Bainbridge, GA 39819

· 903 E 16th Ave, Cordele, GA 31015

· 1401 Bowens Mill Road SE, Douglas, GA 31533

· 2421 Hwy 80 Dublin, GA 31021

· 116 Benjamin H Hill Road, Fitzgerald, GA 31750

· 552 West Oglethorpe Highway, Hinesville, GA 31313

· 1093 North Macon Street, Jesup, GA 31545

· 11 N. Kennedy, Metter, GA 30439

· 888 Kingsbay Road, St. Marys, GA 31558

· 581 Northside Drive East, Statesboro, GA 30458

· 226 South Main Street, Swainsboro, GA 30401

· 1059 Highway 19 N., Thomaston, GA 30286

AT&T is committed to ensuring everyone who walks through the door of one of our stores receives smart, friendly and fast service. As a result J.D. Power awarded AT&T the “Highest Satisfaction with the Purchase Experience among Full-Service Wireless Providers” in its 2014, Volume 1 study.6 Former Alltel customers can also visit any authorized retailer location or national retailer location that offers AT&T products and services.

Customers with general questions about the transition from Alltel to AT&T can visit www.att.com/alltel. Or for details about their new devices, they can visit www.att.com/mynewphone. Customers may also call (800) 331-0500 or speak with an AT&T sales rep at any AT&T retail location.