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AT&T 4G LTE Available In Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS -- AT&T has turned on its 4G LTE network in Grand Rapids, bringing customers the latest generation of wireless network technology.

AT&T 4G LTE provides several benefits, including:
* Faster speeds. LTE technology is capable of delivering mobile Internet speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G. Customers can stream, download, upload and game faster than ever before.
* Cool new devices. AT&T offers several LTE-compatible devices, including new AT&T 4G LTE smartphones and tablets, such as the Sony Xperia TL, LG Optimus G, Samsung Galaxy S III, Motorola ATRIX HD, HTC One X, Nokia Lumia 920, Samsung Galaxy Note II, HTC One X+, Samsung ATIV smart PC and ASUS VivoTab RT.
* Faster response time. LTE technology offers lower latency, or the processing time it takes to move data through a network, such as how long it takes to start downloading a webpage or file once you've sent the request. Lower latency helps to improve services like mobile gaming, two-way video calling and telemedicine.
* More efficient use of spectrum. Wireless spectrum is a finite resource, and LTE uses spectrum more efficiently than other technologies, creating more space to carry data traffic and services and to deliver a better network experience.

 AT&T's innovation and investment has resulted in the nation's largest 4G network, covering more than 285 million people with ultra-fast speeds and a more consistent user experience. That's coverage in 3,000 more 4G cities and towns than Verizon.

AT&T's 4G LTE network delivers up to 10 times faster than 3G, as well as multiple innovations that optimize the network for performance. The AT&T network's radio components are placed close to the antenna at most cell sites, instead of inside the base station, which helps minimize power loss between the base station and antenna and, in turn, improves performance. The network also is designed with its core elements distributed across the country, which helps reduce latency, or the delay when using the Internet, because a request isn't traveling as far.

Even as AT&T continues to expand its 4G LTE coverage, customers can get 4G speeds outside of 4G LTE areas on AT&T's 4G HSPA+ network, unlike competitors, where smartphone customers fall back to slower 3G technologies when outside of LTE coverage.

AT&T also claims 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.

AT&T also is a leading developer of Distributed Antenna Systems, which utilize multiple small antennas to maximize coverage and speed within stadiums, convention centers, office buildings, hotels and other areas where traditional coverage methods are challenging. 

Over the past five years, AT&T invested more than $115 billion into operations and into acquiring spectrum and other assets that have enhanced its 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."

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