AT&T Announces L.A. Progress

AT&T has been talking up the growth of its 4G LTE network this week and Thursday seems to be no different. The carrier announced today that between 2011 and 2013, it invested more than $1.95 billion in the Greater Los Angeles area to improve both wireless and wired network capacity.

“Los Angeles residents depend on our fast and reliable Internet connections more and more every day, whether it’s instant access to files and apps at work, watching a video at home, or even receiving updates from connected cars or home monitors,” said Jace Barbin, AT&T vice president and general manager of mobility, Greater Los Angeles area in a press statement. “AT&T is making robust investments locally to make sure that residents can take full advantage of the latest services and tools, and that businesses have the speed they need to compete and grow.”

Among AT&T’s most significant upgrades in the Greater L.A. area in 2013 included the launch of 4G LTE in the Ventura-Oxnard area and expanded 4G LTE in Simi Valley-Agoura Hills and Santa Clarita. The carrier also installed a distributed antenna system (DAS) to improve service around the L.A. Memorial Coliseum.

In total, AT&T made 615 network upgrades in 2013 and delivered U-verse Internet and video services to 105,000 new customers.

“Continued investment in fast and reliable Internet connectivity is critical for both quality of life and economic growth in Los Angeles said Gary Toebben, president & CEO, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.  “Enhanced wireless and wired connectivity is an important benefit for residents, and the expansion of fiber-optic connections helps to level the playing field for small and mid-sized businesses across the metro area.”

The carrier also made several upgrades to its wired Internet service. High-speed fiber-optic connections were deployed to 42,836 businesses in about 1,200 buildings and business parks.