AT&T Completes Acquisition of Divestiture Properties from Verizon Wireless

AT&T* today completed its acquisition of wireless assets from Verizon Wireless. The transaction enhances AT&T’s wireless network coverage in primarily rural areas in 79 service areas across 18 states. To secure regulatory approvals for its purchase of Alltel in 2009, Verizon Wireless agreed to divest the properties.

Once network transition work is completed, the approximately 1.6 million subscribers in these service areas will enjoy the benefits of AT&T’s 3G mobile broadband network — the nation’s fastest. AT&T expects to roll out its 3G service to all of the acquired properties.

"Mobile broadband is changing how we live our lives and transforming every sector of business, and AT&T is leading the way,” said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "We’re excited that with this acquisition, AT&T will bring the benefits of mobile broadband to new subscribers. We mobilize everything for our customers by delivering the best 3G experience, the fastest 3G speeds nationwide, the most popular smartphones, an array of emerging devices like eReaders and netbooks, the ability to talk and browse the Web at the same time and access to more than 225,000 apps.”**

Integration Plans

The transaction extends AT&T’s wireless network coverage in primarily rural areas of Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia and Wyoming.

Over a period of approximately 12 months, AT&T will launch service on a market-by-market basis as network integration work is completed. For now, there are no changes to customers’ phone numbers, rate plans, network coverage, customer service contacts or processes for making monthly bill payments. During network integration, customers will have the opportunity to select a device comparable to their existing device at no additional cost. They may also choose an upgraded handset from AT&T’s exciting lineup of industry-leading devices.*** Existing AT&T customer contracts are not affected.

The company will inform subscribers of changes in advance and is committed to making the transition as easy and convenient as possible while working to deliver a high level of service to affected customers. Rebranding to AT&T will also occur on a market-by-market basis as service is launched.

Subscribers joining AT&T will enjoy significant benefits. Today, AT&T offers voice and data coverage reaching 97 percent of Americans, the broadest international coverage of any U.S. wireless provider; more applications running over its network; and access to the nation’s fastest 3G network. Unlike some other wireless networks, AT&T’s 3G network enables subscribers to talk and e-mail or surf the Web at the same time. And thanks to the industry’s leading lineup of devices, more smartphone users have chosen AT&T than any other wireless carrier. Subscribers who choose smartphones and LaptopConnect cards with a current DataConnect Plan will also have access to AT&T’s entire nationwide Wi-Fi hot spot network at no additional charge.****

AT&T is also the leader in emerging consumer devices and a mobile broadband network of choice for most major consumer categories such as eReaders, netbooks, personal navigation devices and digital photo frames. Subscribers in the acquired service areas will have even more opportunities to take advantage of the connectivity delivered by this new class of mobile broadband devices.

Agreement Terms

Under terms of the agreement, AT&T is purchasing the assets for approximately $2.35 billion in cash. The transaction primarily represents former Alltel assets, but it also includes assets from Verizon Wireless and the former Rural Cellular Corporation.

The transaction adds customers and enhances network coverage and is expected to deliver substantial long-term stockholder value. Wireless is the largest growth driver and value creator in the telecommunications industry, and this acquisition continues AT&T’s strong track record of investing in growth. In 2009 AT&T’s capital investments totaled $17.3 billion, and AT&T plans to invest between $18 and 19 billion in 2010, assuming a favorable regulatory environment, including an increase of approximately $2 billion over 2009 levels in wireless network and supporting wireline backhaul investments.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

**Access to applications depends on device.

***Device upgrades require a two-year commitment, and all smartphones require a data plan.

****A Wi-Fi enabled device required. Other restrictions apply. See www.attwifi.com for additional services, details and locations.

Find More Information Online:

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest 3G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse^SM and AT&T ¦DIRECTV^SM brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE^® magazine.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATTNews. Find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at www.Facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services.

© 2010 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. 3G service not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update or revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.