TUALATIN, Ore., Dec. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* today announced the launch of its mobile Internet network in seven eastern Oregon counties, covering  communities such as: Baker City, Burns, Christmas Valley, Elgin, Enterprise, Halfway, John Day, Mount Vernon, Ontario, Paisley, Pilot Rock, Prairie City, Riley, Silver Lake, Sumpter, and Wallowa.  Activation of the cell sites in eastern Oregon is one part of AT&T's ongoing investment and innovation efforts in the state.  With this addition, AT&T service is now available to more than 90 percent of Oregon's 3.9 million residents.

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Previously, AT&T only offered roaming service in eastern Oregon.  Now with mobile Internet coverage, local AT&T customers can surf the Web, download files faster, and enjoy the very latest interactive mobile applications.  AT&T is an industry leader in delivering the benefits of the mobile Internet, offering powerful and flexible connectivity, a wide range of smartphone and other device options, and simultaneous voice and data capabilities for an amazing wireless voice and Internet experience.

"Investing in mobile internet access doesn't just mean faster download speeds for data and video. It means our communities are better connected to the global marketplace," said Cliff Bentz, Oregon State Representative. "We've worked in the legislature to create an environment that encourages this type of investment, and I am very pleased to see AT&T bringing increased mobile Internet coverage to eastern Oregon."

"We applaud local leaders like Representative Bentz who support driving this investment and economic development to their districts," said Adam Grzybicki, AT&T's President for Oregon. "Today's expansion of AT&T service reflects our commitment to make the investments necessary to bring consumers across Eastern Oregon a new era of wireless competition. Local residents have asked for more choices in wireless service and today we're delivering."

Eastern Oregon residents can choose from a growing lineup of AT&T devices and now activate service with local wireless phone numbers.  AT&T devices and services are now available at an AT&T Authorized Retailer in Ontario and will be available starting next month from an AT&T Authorized Retailer in La Grande.

"Expanding the wireless network across the state is a priority, particularly in rural areas.  This is why we have invested more than $300 million in our Oregon wireless and wireline networks during the past three years," said Mike Maxwell, AT&T's Vice President/General Manager. "AT&T's network expansion links the people of Oregon together, and now residents in the eastern part of our state have a better choice for their mobile phone and internet service."

AT&T has the broadest international coverage of any U.S. wireless provider, providing access to voice service in more than 225 countries and data service in more than 205 countries. AT&T also offers voice and data roaming coverage on more than 140 major cruise ships, as well as mobile Internet services in more than 145 countries.

AT&T operates the nation's largest Wi-Fi network** including more than 31,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots at popular restaurants, hotels, bookstores and retailers across the country. 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.

Over the past five years, AT&T invested more than $115 billion into operations and into acquiring spectrum and other assets that have enhanced our wireless and wired networks. Since 2007, AT&T has invested more capital into the U.S. economy than any other public company.  In a July 2012 report, the Progressive Policy Institute ranked AT&T No. 1 on its list of U.S. "Investment Heroes."

For more information about AT&T's coverage in Oregon or anywhere in the United States, consumers can visit the AT&T Coverage Viewer. For updates on the AT&T wireless network, please visit the AT&T network news page.

*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.

**Access includes AT&T Wi-Fi Basic. 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 around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's largest 4G 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 wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T │DIRECTV brands. 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://www.att.com.  This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.