SOUTH BEND, Ind. — AT&T announced today the expansion of its mobile Internet network along I-80 in northeast Indiana — extending service from parts of Elkhart County to areas in Steuben County.

The wireless network upgrade extends access for advanced mobile services, devices and feature-rich audio and video content to customers who travel, live or work in the area. The expansion includes the I-80 corridor east of Bristol and extends to I-69.

“As Hoosiers compete in a global economy, the need for faster speeds and better wireless coverage has never been greater,” said State Senator Carlin Yoder. “Investments like this will benefit northeast Indiana as we market the region as an innovative place for businesses to locate and grow.”

From 2009 through 2011, AT&T invested more than $1 billion in its wireless and wireline networks in Indiana. AT&T is an industry leader in delivering the benefits of advanced mobile Internet service, devices and applications. AT&T’s customers have access to the nation’s largest 4G network providing a widespread, ultra-fast and consistent 4G experience with simultaneous voice and data capabilities.

“Northeast Indiana is well served by Sen. Yoder because he understands the direct relationship between investment in wireless infrastructure and economic growth,” said AT&T Indiana President George S. Fleetwood. “We’re committed to the communities we serve and look forward to bringing more good news in the near future.”

AT&T also added new layers of frequency, also known as “carriers,” to six cell sites in these areas to more efficiently manage available spectrum and increase mobile broadband capacity. The expansion helps manage ever-growing demand for mobile Internet services by allocating more network resources for AT&T’s mobile Internet network.

“Demand for wireless bandwidth is growing rapidly, and we want to meet that demand for our customers,” said Brian Ducharme, vice president and general manager, AT&T Indiana and Michigan. “We’re excited to expand mobile Internet in the northeast part of the state along this major interstate.”

For more information about AT&T’s coverage in Indiana or anywhere in the United States, consumers can visit the AT&T Coverage Viewer. Using the online tool, AT&T customers can measure coverage quality from a street address, intersection, ZIP code or even a landmark.

Source: AT&T Inc.