AT&T Inc. announced Friday that its timetable for expanding AT&T service in Michigan has been accelerated and that it expects to complete network upgrades on wireless assets acquired from Verizon Wireless in June 2010 by the end of 2010 or the beginning of 2011.

That is significantly sooner than the earlier estimate for enhancing AT&T’s coverage in Michigan by mid-2011.

Once network integration work is completed, AT&T will launch service for Alltel customers in Muskegon and Verizon Wireless customers in Michigan Rural Service Areas 5 and 7.

Michigan RSA 5 includes Benzie, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Missaukee, Osceola and Wexford Counties. Michigan RSA 7 includes Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Montcalm and Newaygo Counties.

Every residential Alltel customer in Muskegon and Verizon Wireless customer in RSAs 5 and 7 joining AT&T as a result of the transaction will receive an offer for a brand new AT&T handset at no additional cost. Customers will be able to choose their free device from a list of the latest AT&T 3G handsets that are comparable to what they have today. Additionally, the vast majority of customers choosing free comparable devices will be able to keep their existing rate plans, and none of these customers will be required to assume an additional contract term.

Customers will also have the opportunity to upgrade to a new device, like iPhone 4, for an additional fee and with a new two-year contract, with current AT&T rates and associated data plan.

“AT&T has been working tirelessly to upgrade the Alltel and Verizon Wireless networks to the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, and we expect that coverage in these areas will be as good as — if not better than — it is today, with the ability to talk and surf the Internet at the same time,” said Brian Jones, director of sales, AT&T Michigan. “Our preparations will ensure that we deliver a superior customer experience when we launch service, and we look forward to expanding our presence in Michigan. AT&T customers have access to the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network.  And not only does AT&T’s network cover 97 percent of all Americans, AT&T also has the best international coverage of any U.S. wireless provider. That means our customers have voice service in more than 220 countries and data service in 200 countries.”

AT&T representatives will communicate to new customers on a regular basis about any changes they can expect moving forward. For example, in the coming weeks, AT&T will send customers a letter describing the steps for choosing new devices. New devices will be mailed directly to AT&T customers’ billing addresses approximately one to three weeks before service is launched in these areas.

For updates on the AT&T wireless network, visit www.att.com/networknews.

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