AT&T Completes Unicel Wireless Network Integration

As part of its commitment to provide a smooth transition for former Unicel customers in Vermont, AT&T* today announced it has integrated all cell sites in the legacy Unicel network AT&T acquired in Vermont, with AT&T's existing nationwide wireless network.

This development represents nearly six months of intense labor during which AT&T optimized cell signals in an effort to create the kind of high-quality wireless experience AT&T customers have come to expect across the country, and paves the way for future network enhancements across the state. AT&T's wireless network in Vermont is monitored twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week at AT&T's state-of-the-art Global Network Operations Center. This facility manages all of AT&T's voice and data traffic and provides visibility into network performance in Vermont, allowing the company to better maintain its infrastructure, analyze network performance, and ensure network capacity to meet customer demand. AT&T also has a dedicated network team in place locally, who can be rapidly dispatched to individual cell sites or switching centers, including a newly built AT&T network facility in White River Junction, should the need arise.

Since AT&T closed its acquisition of Unicel's Vermont assets in December 2008, it has added ten new cell sites, bringing new or expanded coverage to customers in Rochester, Wilmington, Lincoln, Williston, Cuttingsville, Essex Junction, Springfield, Westfield, Fairfield and Enosburg Falls. Three additional cell sites are planned for later this year in Plainfield, Poultney and Eden.

"The integration and expansion of AT&T's wireless network is another important step towards our goal of having the assets that will bring mobility and broadband connectivity to every corner of Vermont," said Governor Jim Douglas. "This is an important economic development tool. If we are to attract good paying companies to locate in Vermont, we must provide broadband connectivity. The State will continue to work closely with AT&T and other service providers who are making critical infrastructure investments in Vermont to help make ubiquitous broadband and wireless access a reality as soon as possible."