Android tablets can be described as large smartphones where you can do plenty of things even the device even without an Internet connection. Providing that the Android tablet features a SIM card slot, you could send and receive text messages the same way you would in a smartphone. Some 7-inch and 8-inch tablets may even be capable of using your network operator to place calls.

Since these tablets run on the Android operating system, you can expect these tablets to come with several basic applications out of the box such as a calendar and calculator. Compare the applications with the ones you see on a typical Windows laptop and you will realize that you have the same level of functionality on a touchscreen. But can you imagine a Windows laptop that won’t connect to the Internet?

A lack of broadband Internet translates to the inability to take advantage of the many third-party apps you can install in a growing operating system. Of course, with Windows, you can plug in a flash drive or possibly insert a DVD full of apps and games. With most Android tablets, connectivity is limited unless you have a special accessory or cable. Knowing how to connect Android tablet to broadband Internet is necessary if you want to make the most out of your tablet.

Think about the Google Play application that comes with many Android tablets made by popular brands. Google Play gives you access to all the popular free and commercial applications that you can download. Many of these applications give your tablet completely new functions while others may improve productivity or add entertainment. Several of these apps also require you to be online such as online file hosting apps. Since some Android tablets have low amounts of internal memory, it would be helpful to access your important documents from a file hosting provider as these services offer more space. Of course, the Internet browser that comes with your Android tablet requires an Internet connection too if you hope to check out websites that don’t have mobile app versions.

Learning how to connect to Wi-Fi on a Google Android tablet is basically the same as connecting using an Android smartphone. But the early steps may vary depending on the particular tablet you own since there are various Android versions with different interfaces. Some manufacturers feature modified Android interfaces too.

Basically, you have to open your tablet’s app drawer and launch “Settings” from there. This should take you to a menu where you can adjust various options. Tap the “Wi-Fi” option to see the available networks you can connect to. If the “Wi-Fi” option is currently off, toggle that option to switch it on. Tap the refresh icon to let the tablet scan for Wi-Fi hotspots. From the list, simply tap the network you wish to connect to and tap “Connect” if prompted. If you are asked for a security key, you must enter it as well. If the hotspot has an active broadband Internet connection, congratulations because you successfully learned how to connect Android tablet to broadband Internet. Any Android tablet should be able to accomplish these steps.

But if there are no Wi-Fi hotspots in your area, you can resort to using your mobile network’s 3G or 4G Internet. Your Android tablet must have a SIM card slot in order to try out this feature. Insert a SIM card that has 3G or 4G enabled by your mobile network carrier and restart your tablet if necessary. Then launch “Settings” from the app drawer and tap “More” to bring up the “Wireless & Networks” options. Tap “Mobile Networks” and tick the “Data Enabled”. Take note that your mobile network may charge you depending on the plan you are subscribed to. Some networks may also have data limits so it is important to switch off this option so you are not always using your data plan. As long as there is signal, you should be able to browse the Internet and use any apps that rely on an Internet connection.

Your tablet may also have a tethering capability where you can share the mobile network connection with other Android tablets via Wi-Fi. This is useful if you have a tablet that lacks a SIM card slot. If you already know how to connect to Wi-Fi on a Google Android tablet, connecting to another tablet is just the same thing after you enabled the “Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot” feature from the “Tethering & Portable Hotspot” options.

Once you mastered these basics, explore the options that your tablet may have to offer. Many tablets allow you to enable or disable Wi-Fi and 3G/4G just from the notification panel. Explore these areas to discover quicker ways to go online.

Before purchasing a new smartphone, it’s a good idea to find out which phones are currently dominating the market in technology and popularity. A look at some of the top smartphones in America shows that most of the best phones are Android phones, but Apple has its own products in the mix as well. As you begin choosing your next phone, look at the following options. The following are five of the best smartphones in the United States, along with pertinent information that can help you decide which one will work well for your needs.

1 – Apple iPhone 5

The Apple iPhone 5 is one of the top smartphones in America and recently it was reported that this phones early success has helped Apple to increase their share of smartphone sales, pulling ahead of Android sales with a short lead. The iPhone 5 comes with all the great features that buyers have come to expect from iPhones, although this phone surpasses the previous technology used on Apple’s phones in the past. The Apple iPhone 5 offers improved performance over previous generations, a roomier and taller display and the front facing camera offers better resolution. However, for current iPhone users, it’s important to note that this new iPhone’s lightning connector is incompatible with older peripherals.

2 – Samsung Galaxy S III

There’s a reason that the Samsung Galaxy S III is considered one of the top cell phones in the U.S.A. This phone has seen a lot of hype and the phone really does live up to the advertising behind it. It offers a display that is large and of high quality and has a classy design that many consumers appreciate. The 4.8 inch HD Super AMOLED display comes with 1280 by 720 pixel resolution, offering brilliant colors and stunning viewing for videos. It’s speedy performance and high quality camera are two of the main pros of the Galaxy S III. On the down side, some users have found difficulty using the S Voice feature on the phone.

3 – Motorola Droid Razr HD

Consumers looking for the best smartphones in the United States may want to consider Motorola’s new phone, the Droid Razr HD. This phone features an incredibly stunning 4.7 inch 720p display, which makes viewing pictures and videos an excellent experience. It also features fast LTE data and has a long lasting battery, which is a benefit for users on the go. On the negative side, the phone is a bit heavy and the camera doesn’t perform well in low lighting. Overall, the new Droid Razr HD has enjoyed some excellent upgrades over its predecessor, including upgrades in the phone’s processor, display and the battery.

4 – HTC Droid DNA

HTC phones are definite contenders on the smart phone market today, with many of their phones getting top ratings from consumers. The HTC Droid DNA rates as one of the top smartphones in America with its eye-catching 1080p display and a camera that stands out from the competition. The phone also features a speedy quad-core processor, offering excellent performance from the phone. While it’s performance and screen are big benefits, it has a few cons to consider as well. the Droid DNA comes with poor batter life and it doesn’t have any expandable storage, which may be a problem for some individuals considering the phone.

5 – Nokia Lumia 920

While Nokia’s phones don’t often make it to the top smartphone lists, the new Nokia Lumia 920 is an exception and is considered one of the best phones in the United States right now. This phone was reported to sell out in many locations that carried on the first weekend after its release. The Nokia Lumia 920 uses Windows Phone 8 as its operating system and comes with excellent feature and hardware. It comes with a camera that takes stable videos and great images, even in low light situations. The display is top notch and offers easy viewing, even outdoors. For some users, the weight and size of this phone may be a problem. Also, since it is using Windows Phone 8, there are some gaps in the apps available for this operating system at this time, although some of these gaps are being filled.

Smartphone technology is improving all the time, which means that the market is currently saturated with some incredible phones. While these phones are currently the top smartphones in America right now, no doubt this list will be changing in a few months as smartphone technology continues to expand and new incredible devices are released to provide consumers with even more features and options.

It is unthinkable to have a computer without internet connection in today’s world. Most of the computing activities, whether they are for fun or business, need the web. Choosing the best home internet provider will be a challenging task if you lack the knowledge to differentiate one service from another.

The following tips in choosing the best home internet providers will simplify the task, letting you know which parameters are the most important ones. When comparing home internet providers, you will have to examine the type of connection, the speed, the price and the availability of additional services.

Type of Connection

Each internet service provider offers a specific type of connection. Your personal preferences and the ways in which you use internet will determine the most suitable one.

DSL connections are the least expensive ones. The internet provider will use your telephone line to enable the transfer of data. As the oldest and most traditional option, DSL connection is limited in terms of speed. It may also come as the least convenient option.

Cable internet was the most prominent service until recently. A standard cable is used for the transfer of data. The speed can be significantly higher than the one achieved through a DSL connection but it will also depend on the number of users.

The fastest option involves fiber optic connection. It allows for the efficient transfer of data over long distances. The high speed enables internet service providers to offer services to a big number of clients in the same area, without compromising speed.

Internet Speed

The tips in choosing the best home internet providers will next focus on your needs and the speed, which will be perfect for the purpose. Each user has highly specific speed requirements on the basis of computing activities. Some people use internet to do work, others play games, while some may be interested in movie and music downloads.

A basic high-speed connection is perfect for people who mainly browse through websites, do social networking and check their e-mail. This speed is typically available in the basic package of each internet provider. Look at the most inexpensive package, in case your internet activities are limited.

Six megabits per second (mbps) is the speed needed for movie streaming and downloads. Film and music fans that use the web to download and upload such files should look for six mbps or a higher speed.

Gamers need a high upload speed, rather than high download speed. This is a prerequisite for online gaming and the minimal requirement for a pleasant gaming experience is one mbps.

Price

The number of companies that offer internet services is growing all the time. The competition is intense and attractive prices or promotions feature among the easiest ways to attract new clients.

Take a look at the prices before choosing the internet service provider. Shopping around and comparing offers side by side is the easiest way to examine all of the technical characteristics and the monthly cost. If two companies are offering the exact same speed and type of connection, you should probably go for the least expensive option.

Finally, take a look at additional benefits. Some internet service providers offer mailboxes and storage space, better internet security, online data backup and reliable customer support. These will provide you with the final internet service provider selection criterion.

As a consumer, you have the right to make informed selections. Talk to internet service providers, ask questions and compare offers. The more research you do, the happier you will be with the final service.

Those wondering how does broadband work will be interested in knowing that such Internet options are called broadband simply because they rely on a wide bandwidth to transfer data packets from one computer to another. While many different companies offer this service at different speeds, one of the key questions included in the what is broadband curiosity is what these speeds mean.

Regardless of your Internet speed, called the bandwidth, the information from your computer, referred to as packets, travel at nearly the speed of light. The higher speeds that Internet companies sell are not faster data transmission, rather, these higher speeds provide the user with what can be described as a wider doorway for their packets to travel through.

Unlike dial-up, broadband Internet connections do not rely on access to a telephone line in order to operate. It doesn’t tie up the phone lines, and doesn’t require any special dialing. The broadband is always there, waiting for your computer or Internet-using device to be turned back on. When the device is powered up, connection is automatic.

Current federal legislation dictates that broadband service be made available to all Americans, regardless of where they are located. This has many people wondering how does broadband work as their services are being changed around them. Those wondering what is broadband may be upset that these services cost more than the dial-up they have been paying for all along. With traditional dial-up Internet, downloading a single song after purchasing it can take thirty minutes or longer. When that same song is purchased on a broadband connection, the song can be downloaded in as little as fifteen seconds.

There are many different types of broadband connection. The user who is curious as to what is broadband may think that they are different Internets. All broadband connections take you to the same Internet. It is simply the method of reaching the Internet that is different between these connections.

Digital Subscribed Line (DSL) means that your Internet travels along a dedicated phone line, providing fast download speeds, but slow upload speeds. This is a much more hardcore version of your home telephone line. It does not tie up your phone line to be online.

Cable modems bring Internet to your home through the cable lines that bring you television service. All of the subscribers in a given area must share the same access availability with cable, resulting in slower Internet speeds when more users are online.

Fiber connections use fiber-optic cables to transmit your data packets to the Internet. Your packets are translated into light, then sent through these light sensitive cables. It is the fastest possible Internet connection source in both download and upload directions.

Wireless connections rely on a line-of-sight radio transmission to transmit your packets to a source that is ultimately plugged into the Internet through a hardline. This can be purchased from a wireless provider or done at home with a wireless router.

Satellite connections translate your packets into a signal that is understood by an orbiting satellite. Your packets are beamed into space, bounce off the satellite, and to a location that is ultimately plugged in to a broadband connection. This service relies on a visual link with the satellite and decent weather to function properly. It is one of the slowest broadband connections available.

Broadband Over Power Line connections use an existing power line to transmit your packets to the Internet. It is the newest form of broadband, and produces speeds that are similar to cable or DSL service.

Regardless of the source that your Internet is connected to, those wondering how does broadband work will be interested in knowing that any broadband service available will be much faster than their dial-up access had been. Those wondering what is broadband will be relieved to know that they are accessing the same Internet, just at much faster speeds.

What Is The Internet?

The Internet is a vast, interwoven web of computer networks. When one computer is connected to another, they become a network. Millions of these small networks exist all over the world. When these small networks became linked together to form larger networks, the Internet was born. All of these computers speak a universal language that we refer to as packets. These packets are carried as electronic signals through copper or fiber-optic wire, allowing communication between computers. The packets are translated into a language that humans can understand by the computer that last encounters the packet signal.

When The Net Becomes Wireless

Internet uses who wonder how does wireless Internet work need to understand that every type of wireless Internet is physically plugged in to the wired Internet at some point. When the Internet you are accessing is not directly plugged into the Internet from the device you are using, you are accessing a wireless version of the Internet.

How your wireless Internet works depends on the method in which the wireless signal reaches your device. As a general rule, the more steps between you and the wired connection, the more complicated the explanation of how does wireless Internet work becomes.

In-Home Wireless Internet

When the wired connection follows various wires and physically enters your home, the packets that it carries are sent through a translation device known as a modem. When the modem is plugged into your computer, the packets appear as websites on your monitor. However, when the modem is first plugged in to a wireless router, the signal becomes split, with part of the signal becoming a short-range radio frequency that your wireless devices can access, and part of the signal continuing along the wire to the computer.

Wireless Internet Access

The wireless Internet functions in much the same way as the in-home wireless Internet does. The wired Internet service arrives at a business or public place and is translated into a wireless service through routers. The business has decided to provide the community service of wireless Internet access by leaving their network without a password and free for customers to use within the vicinity.

Radio Frequency Internet

True wireless users will wonder how does wireless Internet work when their access point doesn’t become a wireless signal locally. The majority of mobile broadband service users get their wireless Internet in the form of radio frequencies. Subscribers to this radio frequency service have a small box installed on the exterior of their homes. This box accesses radio frequencies from the public spectrum, sending packets of information from your computer to the radio tower. This radio tower bounces your signal to the next tower, and on to the next, until it reaches the tower that is wired in to the Internet.

Cell phones likewise operate on this tower-to-tower design, with both Internet and cellular signals relying on a direct line of sight with at least one tower in order to function properly. When you use your cell phone as a mobile hotspot, the phone functions as a private router for nearby wireless devices. You may likewise purchase mobile broadband service from your cell phone company and access the radio frequencies without the aid of a cell phone.

Satellite Internet

The final explanation of how does wireless Internet work involves a mobile broadband service that is satellite based. Your satellite Internet originates from a location that is physically wired to the Internet. The packets of information are coded into a satellite-friendly language and broadcast into space. The satellite in orbit captures these signals and relays them back to the planet in your direction. A satellite dish near your home captures these waves, while a modem translates them from satellite to computer language before reaching your wireless devices.

All of the top 5 mobile internet service providers in the USA obviously provide the essential services to connect personal computers including laptops, desktops, and notebooks as well as mobile devices like smartphones to the Internet. These companies are also known as internet access providers.

Differences between the Two

It must first be emphasized that mobile Internet describes access to the Internet using a mobile device via an independent device like a USB modem or a PCMCIA card. Access to the Internet is then made via a non-fixed line method.

In contrast, a personal computer Internet access can be on a fixed line. Subscribers on a fixed line enjoy the benefits of faster connections coupled with several web applications displayed on a larger screen.

Mobile web access has certain limitations because of the lesser screen size on the mobile device, the slower connections, and fewer web applications. In the case of the latter, this is because sites use Flash or Javascript to display graphics, which most browsers do not run on.

When it comes to wireless Internet service providers, both personal computers and mobile devices can be hooked up to the Internet. It takes a few simple steps to hook up your personal computer to your smartphone’s Internet connection and vice versa.

Tips to Choose the Best

Of course, the top 5 mobile internet service providers in the USA all provide for high-quality products and services in the industry. But consumers are well-advised to carefully consider their choices before starting on a subscription plan. Keep in mind that the sales pitch made by the sales representative may be attractive but the fine print may eventually work against your favor.

• Look at the coverage area of the wireless Internet service providers. Take note coverage areas tend to be regional (i.e., northeast US).

• Check the speed of the mobile broadband service. Online sites are available for this purpose although we also suggest reading the customer reviews regarding the Internet speed of the top 5 mobile internet service providers in the USA. Take note that the advertised speeds are not the actual speeds and that the stated download/upload speeds are under ideal conditions; average speeds are the more reliable measure in this aspect.

• Compare the prices, network speed and coverage, data network reliability, and customer support of these wireless Internet service providers. You must shop around for the best provider.

• Furthermore, all of the top 5 mobile internet service providers in the USA are imperfect in the sense that one or two aspects will be less than satisfactory for consumers. For example, AT&T has an excellent network speed (10 in a rating of 1 to 10 with 1 being the lowest) but its customer support may be less than satisfactory (say, a 6).

With that being said, here is a summary of the top 5 mobile internet service providers in the USA and their available services.

AT&T

When it comes to being the nation’s fastest 3G network, AT&T certainly lives up to its hype. Download speeds can reach anywhere from 700Kbps to 1.2 Mbps while its services are available in 22 states in the US. Monthly subscription rates range from $14.95 to $22.95 depending on the plan.

Features available with the plans include free Internet security, full Yahoo integration, and parental controls. Subscribers also have the benefit of accessing the Internet via its national Wi-Fi network.

With their GSM network coupled with their strategic partnerships with carriers worldwide, AT&T leads the pack of the top 5 mobile internet service providers in the USA. Even its customer support services are improving by leaps and bounds.

Verizon Wireless

With 111.3 million subscribers as of the third quarter of 2012, Verizon Wireless is considered the largest wireless communications services provider in the country. The company, a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone, offers wireless voice, messaging and data transmission products and services. It has also the most extensive nationwide coverage as well as the most reliable network, which explains its inclusion in the top 5 mobile internet service providers in the USA.

However, its $29.99 fee for a network card can discourage potential customers from availing of the service.

Comcast

Comcast Corporation is one of the biggest Internet service providers for both residential and commercial customers – over 14 million subscribers in 39 states and the District of Columbia. It also provides one of the fastest network speeds of 18.64Mbps down and 39.94 Mbps up; Take note that Comcast also offers business-only services such as the Comcast Business Class with an average download speed of 24.13Mbps.

Its monthly subscription rates are reasonable, too, with prices starting at $29.99 per month. Features include 10MB storage in 7 e-mail accounts, parental controls, free Internet security, and access to ESPN3.

Sprint Nextel

The company’s inclusion in the top 5 mobile internet service providers in the USA is attributed to its fast connection speeds, which are comparable to AT&T and Verizon Wireless.

It also provides for nationwide coverage while its data network reliability is very satisfactory. The downsides: Customers will be disappointed in its lack of international presence and its poor customer service support system.

T-Mobile

Customers love the excellent data network reliability coupled with the competitive network speeds provided by T-Mobile. Data plans include features like unlimited e-mail, instant messaging, unlimited web browsing and affordable voice calls. Plus, the customer service support is highly satisfactory.

The downside: T-Mobile has a limited footprint in its coverage area. The company has plenty of room for improvement in the mobile Internet service industry but it is getting there, thus, its inclusion in the top 5 mobile internet service providers in the USA.

Determining the speed of your Internet connection just to make sure it is equivalent to your ISP’s claims should be as easy as downloading a file using your favorite browser and monitoring the speeds. However, that method may not always be an accurate measurement because you could be downloading from a slow or very busy server.

Even if your high speed internet service is very fast, some downloads have slower transfer speeds because the server has a slower transfer rate. The location of that server can also affect performance.

To properly measure your Internet speeds, it is best to run an Internet speed test service like at Speedtest.net or  speakeasy.net,  or CNET.com.  These services work by utilizing a number of servers situated around the world. The idea is to let users perform an Internet speed test using a server that is closest to their current location.

These servers are equipped to handle heavy loads to allow multiple users to perform Internet speed tests all at once. If you look at the Speedtest website right now, you will notice that there are hundreds of Internet speeds tests being performed every minute.

A standard broadband online speed test works by letting the server ping the machine initiating the speed test so the reply can be displayed in milliseconds. Then the real speed test begins by transferring some data from the server to the host. The download speed is recorded throughout the process and the average speed is then calculated. Then, the host will send packets of data back to the server so the upload speed can be calculated in a similar fashion. Overall, an Internet speed test should take a few seconds unless the internet connection is very sluggish.

Nowadays, 1 Mbps should be a pretty normal speed for an ISP as long as you are paying for what is really advertised. For instance, if you are promised a 2 Mbps connection and frequent Internet speed tests report half the speeds, you should complain to your Internet Service Provider. 1 Mbps is a good enough speed to download documents and images in seconds and audio files in minutes.

These sites happen to be some of the most popular test services because you do not have to install any third-party software aside from Adobe Flash to get the service up and running from your browser. The home page allows you to perform the test immediately since it automatically picks the best server based on the ping time. It also serves as a useful utility for determining your IP address.

Speedtest.net also comes with a feature that lets you share your download and upload speeds with other people. A unique link is generated so people can see a snapshot of the statistics along with the ISP information so it is impossible to fake the data. If necessary, you can also choose any server around the world so you can see how the location of the server affects your overall web speeds.

Mobile network providers are also providing wireless Internet services to smartphone and tablet owners so they can access the Internet without depending on Wi-Fi hotspots. 3G speeds are a bit slower and LTE is just getting started so checking the Internet speed can also help you compare wireless speeds with standard ISP speeds.

Some sites also offer a special mobile app for iOS and Android platforms so they can test their broadband speeds without going to the particular website.

As more testing servers are set up around the world, more users can have access to accurate network connection kilobits per second (kbps) results.

CHICAGO, Oct. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — AT&T* is driving investment and innovation in Chicago to deliver superior 4G service and the best possible mobile Internet experience.

In the first half of 2012, AT&T invested more than $190 million in its Chicago wireless and wired networks. These enhancements include activation of new cell sites or towers to improve network coverage, deploying faster connections to enable 4G speeds, and adding spectrum capacity to support additional traffic, the company announced Thursday during a visit by Mayor Rahm Emanuel to its new Michigan Avenue flagship store.

AT&T has invested nearly $1.2 billion in its Chicago wireline and wireless networks from 2009 through the first half of 2012.

In the first half of 2012 alone, AT&T has:

Increased 4G LTE coverage, providing the fastest mobile Internet technology available throughout the city and metropolitan area Installed additional antennas to improve our customers’ experience in public venues including McCormick Place, Hyatt Regency Chicago, the newly-opened Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, formerly Children’s Memorial, and Chicago’s ballparks. Expanded U-verse® availability to bring video choice to more Chicago households. AT&T broadband services already available to the large majority of Chicago households.

AT&T network upgrades in Chicago also include deployment of new AT&T Wi-Fi hot spots and backbone network connections.

“AT&T invested close to $1.2 billion in Chicago over the last three and a half years.  We’re working to build a 4G network that’s smarter and better to provide our customers with a superior mobile Internet experience,” said Paul La Schiazza, President, AT&T Illinois.  “The ongoing investment we’re making in Chicago is designed to increase 4G coverage, reliability and speed.  We also continue to invest in technologies like Wi-Fi and DAS to help provide customers with the best connections when they need them, whatever they’re doing.”

“This investment announcement from AT&T is testament to the company’s confidence in Chicago,” said Mayor Emanuel.  “As we continue to grow jobs and increase economic opportunity throughout the city, these investments will improve the quality of life and business outlook for Chicagoans throughout the city.”

AT&T’s innovation and investment has resulted in the nation’s largest 4G network, covering 275 million people with ultra-fast speeds and a more consistent user experience.  AT&T is the only U.S. service provider to deploy two compatible 4G technologies to deliver more speed to more customers.  Our 4G LTE network delivered faster average download speeds than any of our competitors in PCWorld’s most recent 13-market speed tests.

AT&T’s 4G LTE network delivers speeds faster than many other mobile Internet technologies**, as well as multiple innovations that optimize the network for performance.  Our network’s radio components are placed close to the antenna at most cell sites, instead of inside the base station, which helps minimize power loss between the base station and antenna and, in turn, improves the performance of our 4G LTE network.  The network also is designed with its core elements distributed across the country, which helps reduce latency, or the delay when using the Internet, because your request isn’t traveling as far.

Even as AT&T continues to expand its 4G LTE coverage in 2012 and 2013, customers can get 4G speeds outside of 4G LTE areas on our 4G HSPA+ network, unlike competitors, where smartphone customers fall back to slower 3G technologies when outside of LTE coverage.

AT&T’s focus to deliver the best possible mobile Internet experience goes beyond 4G to embrace additional connection technologies. AT&T operates the nation’s largest Wi-Fi network*** including more than 30,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots at popular restaurants, hotels, bookstores and retailers across the country.  Most AT&T smartphone customers get access to our entire national Wi-Fi network at no additional cost, and Wi-Fi usage doesn’t count against customers’ monthly wireless data plans.

AT&T also is a leading developer of Distributed Antenna System (DAS) networks, which utilize multiple small antennas to maximize coverage and speed within stadiums, convention centers, office buildings, hotels and other areas where traditional coverage methods are challenging.

Over the past five years, AT&T invested more than $115 billion into operations and into acquiring spectrum and other assets that have enhanced our wireless and wired networks. Since 2007, AT&T has invested more capital into the U.S. economy than any other public company.  In a July 2012 report, the Progressive Policy Institute ranked AT&T No. 1 on its list of U.S. “Investment Heroes.”

For more information about AT&T’s coverage in Chicago or anywhere in the United States, consumers can visit the AT&T Coverage Viewer.  For updates on the AT&T wireless network, please visit the AT&T network news page.

*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.

**Limited 4G LTE availability in select markets. Deployment ongoing. 4G LTE device and data plan required. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Learn more about 4G LTE at att.com/network.

*** Access includes AT&T Wi-Fi Basic.  A Wi-Fi enabled device required. Other restrictions apply. See www.attwifi.com for details and locations.

About AT&TAT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. 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 mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T │DIRECTV brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world.

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 @ATT.

© 2012 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband 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.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking StatementsInformation 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.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.

Foxton and Shannon are likely to miss out on the $1.5 billion ultrafast broadband rollout, with a date for the arrival of high-speed internet in the towns unknown.

Chorus said this week that parts of Levin and Paraparaumu would be included in its UFB rollout plan, starting next July.

Shannon and Foxton did not feature in the eight-year plan, but are likely to be picked up later in other broadband schemes that the Government is funding.

Foxton Community Board chairman Neville Gimblett said the delay for Foxton and Shannon was disappointing, but not unexpected.

“I guess as a small town you get used to being put down the list a bit.”

The owner of a pharmacy in Foxton, Mr Gimblett said the arrival of high-speed internet would be good for businesses, when it eventually came. “I would like to see it as soon as possible, as would the whole country.”

Chorus won the contract to install fibre to make ultrafast broadband available to more than 830,000 urban premises, including schools and homes, throughout New Zealand by the end of 2019.

The Government is developing a plan to bring ultrafast broadband to areas not included in either the rural or urban schemes. It is understood Shannon and Foxton are in that category, which also includes the Rangitikei town of Marton.

Chorus communications manager Robin Kelly said the rollout was a “massive undertaking”, with Chorus building a network path to every home and business in the region included in the contract.

More here ….

It appears homeowners like to buy things in bundles, especially when it comes to broadband. What started out as a “triple play” of services—the bundling together of digital cable, cable Internet access, and telephone services—quickly evolved into the “quad play,” which added on wireless provisions such as cellphone service. In essence, it all becomes associated with M2M (machine-to-machine) entering the home.

Now, providers are attempting to include a fifth—and maybe even sixth—service to that bundle by adding on security and home automation services. Companies like AT&T, www.att.com, with its AT&T Digital Life, Time Warner, www.timewarner.com, and Comcast, www.comcast.com, are using their broadband infrastructure to enter the security market and have plans to branch out into home automation in the future.

Comcast, for example, launched Xfinity Home Security in June 2010, which focuses on home security. However, within a year, it renamed its service Xfinity Home to show customers the broader value of home services, including home automation.

TimeWarner’s entry-level Intelligent Home package also focuses on security, but customers can customize their packages to include energy management and other home control capabilities, depending on their needs.

More here …