AT&T Prepares for Surge in Wireless Data Traffic in Advance of 2008 Democratic National Convention

AT&T Increases Network Capacity to Prepare for Influx of DNC Attendees

Dallas, Texas.-AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) today announced plans to manage near unprecedented levels of data usage as thousands of delegates descend upon Denver for the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

To prepare for the expected increase on AT&T’s wireless network, AT&T has added permanent as well as temporary network capacity in and around Denver. This includes the deployment of multiple Cell sites on Wheels (COWs), Cells on Light Trucks (COLTs) and in-building solutions, all of which will be used to augment wireless coverage in and around key venues including the Pepsi Center.

"For months, we have been preparing for what we expect will be some of the highest data usage levels we’ve seen on our network" said Jace Barbin, vice president and general manager for AT&T’s wireless operations in Colorado. "We expect a very technologically savvy crowd to attend the convention that will want to stay connected. We are significantly increasing network capacity to manage that need"

AT&T, the official wireless provider for the 2008 Democratic National Convention, has completed software upgrades to boost capacity and has backup microwave facilities and COWs ready to be utilized. The company will also have its 24/7 Network Operations Center monitoring the network and technicians and engineers on standby.

"Last year, AT&T managed a surge of wireless network traffic with the 2007 World Series, Denver Nuggets game and Avalanche game — all in the same weekend" said Barbin. "In other words, we are accustomed to planning and adding capacity for the increased network traffic that occurs at large-scale events in Colorado"

In November 2007, AT&T announced the availability of its 3G wireless broadband network in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs and from Silverthorne west to Gypsum, including the Breckenridge and Vail ski resorts.

In addition, during the past two years, AT&T network improvements and expansion have included the addition of more than 140 new cell sites throughout the state.