Dallas, Texas, June 27, 2011 - Telecommunications industry analyst firm Frost and Sullivan today recognized the benefits of AT&T’s* strategy to deliver a consistently fast network experience for customers as it builds out 4G LTE. The firm recognized AT&T’s plans to deploy fast HSPA+ technology in addition to next-generation 4G LTE technology with its 2011 North American Product Line Strategy Award in the Mobile Network Market.

AT&T recently announced plans to cover 70 million Americans with 4G LTE and to offer 4G LTE in at least 15 markets by the end of the year, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, which will roll out later this summer.

“As AT&T is investing in and deploying its next-generation 4G LTE network, it has not neglected the importance of upgrading its existing network through deployment of HSPA+ technology,” said Peter Finalle, Research Analyst, Mobile & Wireless, Frost & Sullivan. “As 4G LTE networks are rolled out nationwide, AT&T’s wireless network strategy will undoubtedly benefit its customers, who will have access to faster speeds, even when outside an LTE coverage area.”

“As we roll out our 4G LTE footprint over the coming months, our customers can fall back to fast HSPA+ speeds when not in 4G LTE areas – meaning they have access to consistently fast speeds, not the jarring speed drops that may plague customers of other carriers,” said John Donovan, CTO, AT&T. “We continue to heavily invest in the latest network technologies so that our customers can experience the benefits of fast mobile broadband, and we’re excited to offer them 4G LTE in the coming months.”

AT&T has invested $75 billion in its wireless and wireline networks over the past four years, representing more capital invested in the U.S. than any public company. The company plans to invest $19 billion in its U.S. wireless and wireline networks and other capital projects this year.