2009 Masters Tournament
Dallas-based AT&T is providing golf fans with more ways to enjoy the 2009 Masters Tournament. AT&T subscribers can enjoy three-screen coverage- via computer, television, and wireless device- on the AT&T FanZone website, with AT&T U-Verse TV service, and via AT&T wireless devices. U-Verse customers will also have access to an exclusive, interactive 2009 Masters Tournament application.
AT&T and the Masters have signed an agreement under which AT&T will provide subscribers with comprehensive live coverage, and On Demand content of the 2009 tournament- accessible on three screens. Only AT&T wireless customers will have access to live and On Demand Masters coverage via wireless device, thanks to MobiTV, Cellular Video (CV) services, and AT&T Mobile TV.
"When you're a true fan, you need and expect access to the latest sports news and video across all your favorite devices, and AT&T is the only provider delivering that today," stated Dan York, Executive Vice President of Content and Programming, AT&T Converged Services. "Through our agreement with the Masters, we're able to deliver more content to more consumers in more places than ever before, and make it more interactive with a free app available on U-verse TV."
With the 2009 Masters application, AT&T U-Verse customers will have more ways to follow the tournament. The application features player scorecards, statistics and biographies, an up-to-date Leaderboard, video archives, tournament photos, and a map of the Augusta National Golf Club course. In addition, this interactive application will allow customers to browse a mosaic of Masters programs simultaneously on channel 619- for no additional charge.
By texting GOLF to 21234, AT&T wireless subscribers will receive up-to-date news alerts on tournament events. Standard text messaging rates apply. All 2009 Masters Tournament coverage will be available to AT&T subscribers for no additional charge (AT&T service and wireless data plan plans are required).
AT&T Improves Coverage
In preparation for the 2009 NCAA Division – Men’s Basketball Tournament, AT&T has improved its wireless network. Data and wireless use is expected to increase during this event, and AT&T has constructed two new third-generation (3G) network sites, enhanced the capacity of existing 3G sites, and increased the temporary network capacity in Metropolitan Detroit, MI.
"We're expecting a crowd of more than 70,000 NCAA basketball fans who will be calling, texting, checking online stats, and sending photo messages while they are at games," stated Brian Ducharme, Vice President and General Manager, AT&T Michigan. "Our network team has gone above and beyond to ensure our customers have the best wireless experience while they're in the Motor City."
The Dallas-based company has positioned a cell site on wheels (COW) near the championship venue, and utilized an interior system to improve the availability of voice and data channels in, and around, the venue. In addition, this advanced network capacity will serve 2009 NCAA Championship events at adjacent conference centers and hotels, while improving coverage on Woodward and Jefferson Avenues.
On game days, AT&T will deploy onsite network personnel to monitor the service. AT&T will manually balance traffic to improve customer’s ability to make calls, send text messages, and use data services during the Final Four tournament.
In order to stimulate the economy and create jobs, AT&T invested billions of dollars into advancing its wired and wireless broadband networks across the nation.
Since 2007, AT&T has created more than 60 new cell cites and improved more than 500, enhancing data speeds and voice quality in various communities. Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Flint are among the regions in Michigan now equipped with 3G technology.
Top for Womens Business
On March 26, Dallas-based AT&T announced that America’s leading advocate for women-owned businesses as suppliers to the nation’s corporations, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), has honored AT&T as one of the Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs).
AT&T’s exceptional commitment to diversity has not been overlooked, as this is the 10th consecutive year that WBENC has recognized the telecom company. Since the WBENC created the list, AT&T has been included for its efforts to break down barriers that prevent women-owned businesses from having equal access to opportunities.
The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council is a corporate member organization, designed to verify WBEs and promote women’s success in business. AT&T is a longstanding board member and proud supporter of the WBENC.
"Supplier diversity is an integral part of the way AT&T does business. By providing contracting opportunities for women business enterprises, we're empowering ourselves to win in today's competitive global marketplace," stated AT&T President of Supply Chain and Fleet Operations, Tim Harden. "We are honored to receive this award from WBENC because it is a reflection of our ongoing world-class supplier diversity initiatives."
Due to AT&T’s continued dedication to providing WBEs with contracting opportunities, the telecom giant remains a Top Corporation for WBEs. During the WBENC award ceremony, America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises Awards, AT&T will be honored with 19 other national corporations. The event will take place in National Harbor, MD, during WBENC’s 2009 Summit and Salute to Women’s Business Enterprise. More than 1,000 people are expected to attend in celebrating 14 honorable Women’s Business Enterprise Stars from WBEs across the nation.
This is not AT&T’s first award for its commitment to diversity and gender equality. The company has ranked No. 1 for three consecutive years on DiversityBusiness.com’s list of Top Organizations for Multicultural Business Opportunities.
AT&T Diversity
On March 13, DiversityInc ranked Dallas-based AT&T no. 2 on its list of top 50 companies for diversity. In addition, AT&T ranked no. 1 among the top 10 companies for African Americans; no. 7 among the top 10 companies for recruitment and retention; and no. 8 among the top 10 companies for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) employees.
DiversityInc analyzed more than 400 companies for this year’s list, up 14% since 2008. Last year, AT&T ranked among the top 10 companies for supplier diversity, due to its extensive history with women and minority-owned businesses. Overall, AT&T earned the no. 22 position on DiversityInc’s survey in 2008.
"AT&T's commitment to diversity and inclusion is so deeply engrained in our culture that it's part of our DNA," stated AT&T Chief Diversity Officer, Cindy Brinkley. "The leaders and employees of AT&T have understood for more than a century that a genuine appreciation of differences contributes not only to the culture, but to the bottom line. At AT&T, where our vision is to connect people with their worlds everywhere they live and work, diversity and inclusion are not add-ons; they are cornerstones of our business plans and integral to our success. That's why our 300,000 employees are so gratified when that commitment is acknowledged and recognized by leading organizations like DiversityInc."
AT&T’s national workforce is comprised of 44% women, and 39% minority employees. The telecom company is among 15 elite corporations to participate in the Billion Dollar Roundtable, a group of businesses that spends no less than $1 billion per year working with diverse companies.
The following groups have also recognized AT&T for its longstanding commitment to diversity:
- The Human Rights Campaign Foundation
- HRC’s Corporate Equality Index
- Latina Style Magazine
- DiversityBusiness.com
AT&T to Create New Jobs
According to an AT&T press release, the Dallas-based telecom company will create 3,000 new jobs in 2009. AT&T will invest up to $18 billion for the expansion to satisfy the nation’s increasing demand for video, broadband, and wireless services.
Approximately two-thirds of the expenditures will be dedicated to improving AT&T’s wired and wireless broadband networks, providing more speed, capacity, and coverage to its subscribers. This expansion will create approximately 2,000 new positions. In addition, the telecom company will localize approximately 1,000 jobs previously managed by overseas contractors.
According to AT&T Chairman and Chief Executive, Randall Stephenson, year-over-year, data traffic has increased by more than 50% on average. As a result, AT&T will improve its 3G network by adding 20 new markets, and 2,100 new cell sites nationwide.
Among the regions affected, AT&T will add more than 30 new cell sites throughout Oklahoma. The company will also introduce its 3G service in Ada, Enid, Ardmore, and Muskogee.
"Our number one priority in 2009 is to continue to enhance the wireless and wired networks so our customers have a top notch experience every time they make a call, send a text, check an e-mail or watch TV," stated Vice President and General Manager, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets, Arkansas and Oklahoma, Steve Gray.
"Demand for broadband continues to grow as new applications emerge and customers embrace them," stated Stephenson. "We expect demand will only escalate when the larger economy rebounds, and AT&T's continued strong network investment will help ensure that we're fully ready to support the next wave of economic growth."
AT&T’s 2009 plans for capital spending adhere to its aforementioned plan to cut spending by approximately 15%. An $18 billion budget represents a cut of between 11 and 16%.