AT&T® has expanded their Fixed Wireless internet service to parts of Gladwin, Osceola, Clare, and Arenac Counties for small businesses and rural homes that have limited to no internet access. AT&T® and the State Representative Jason Wentworth recently announced that the residents in Gladwin, Clare, Osceola, and Arenac Counties are included in the locations in Michigan, to which the internet provider has extended their Fixed Wireless Internet service as part of their FCC Connect America Fund program.
“In today’s information-driven, global economy, it’s critical that homes and businesses in rural areas are afforded the same access to the benefits and opportunities empowered by high-speed Internet,” said State Rep. Wentworth. “AT&T’s decision to upgrade the communication infrastructure serving our businesses and residents will undoubtedly have a long-lasting, positive effect on our community.”
AT&T® is planning to reach more than 86,000 locations with their technology across Michigan by the year 2020. They are planning to reach 400,000 locations across 18 states by the end of the year and 1.1 million plus locations across the nation by 2020. “AT&T® is committed to closing the connectivity gap here in Michigan, and this new innovative service is going to help a great deal in getting us there,” said Jim Murray, President of AT&T® Michigan. “It’s always exciting when we can provide the connectivity that residents and businesses demand, and we think it will be a real game changer for these rural communities.”
The Fixed Wireless Internet service from AT&T® offers home internet service that provides download speeds of at least 10 Mbps and upload speeds of 1 Mbps. This connection is provided from a wireless tower of the service provider to an antenna that is fixed at the home or business of the customer. Fixed Wireservice from AT&T®less Internet is a much efficient way to offer high quality internet service to users in rural areas with limited to no internet access.
“For Michigan’s rural families, communities and businesses, the introduction of this service from AT&T® marks the beginning of an enhanced quality of life and new economic opportunity,” said Jim Byrum, President of the Michigan Agri-Business Association. “Bringing internet access to rural areas is a meaningful investment that will be a spark for rural businesses, improve local economies and open up new opportunities for residents throughout rural Michigan.” AT&T® will offer updates on the availability of the service in parts of Michigan and other states of the country.