AT&T completes 250 improvements to Milwaukee area wireless network
AT&T* is finishing 2011 with strong momentum as the company gains credit for its fast data network, massive network investment and a new shopping experience in retail stores.
“We are committed to deliver the best customer experience possible, and we are doing that by expanding network capacity to meet demand and improve service quality,” said Dave Fine, VP/GM for AT&T in Illinois and Wisconsin. “These improvements translate into tangible customer benefits.”
One of those benefits, Fine said, is the superior data speed of the AT&T network for the iPhone. He said only AT&T’s network enables the new iPhone 4S to download three times faster**, a benefit noted by many industry observers:
-CNET – “If you’re a multitasking speed hound who needs simultaneous voice and data, AT&T is your only option.” 10/06/2011
-Laptop – “AT&T’s iPhone 4S is just faster. And that’s why it’s your best bet.” 10/20/2011
-The Huffington Post – “AT&T is the only carrier that allows you to talk and surf the web on the iPhone. It is one of the biggest differentiators and advantages over Verizon and Sprint.” Jason Gilbert, 10/07/2011
Fine said improving its network and service quality is a key driver of customer loyalty. In fact, despite the addition of new carriers offering the iPhone earlier this year, AT&T has added millions more iPhone customers, while seeing its rate of iPhone customer loyalty reach a record high through the 3rd quarter of 2011. In the fourth quarter, AT&T experienced its most successful iPhone launch in the company’s history when the iPhone 4S was introduced, and AT&T just set a post- Thanksgiving record for online traffic. That means customers are continuing to choose AT&T.
The ongoing program of capacity expansion and network improvements this year has led to an 11 percent decrease in 3G dropped call rates across Wisconsin. Customer demand for mobile broadband continues to grow at a record pace and the proposed T-Mobile merger will help AT&T improve the customer experience even more.
Fine said that the company is engaging customers in new ways to learn how to continue improving the level of service and attention they receive at AT&T’s retail stores. Fine also said that AT&T shared top honors for Overall Retail Store Satisfaction according to a recent study of wireless retail customer satisfaction done by a leading consumer research company. “Our people are experts in all the new devices and handsets. Customers really appreciate our ability to make things simple. We have so many great options, but we pride ourselves on finding what’s best for each individual customer.”
Fine said AT&T recently changed how it receives feedback and ratings from customers who shop in their stores. “We send them a text within hours of them leaving our store,” he said. “Customers have told us they would much rather receive a free text than an email. And record numbers of customers respond to our questions, helping us provide even better customer experience.”
Fine said AT&T is experimenting with how the retail store of the future will even better serve customers. “We are looking at more interaction; more ways for customers to experience how AT&T enhances their lives with our network and devices.
“We would love for even more of our customers to visit an AT&T store this holiday season. They will see a difference, and they will get to see some outstanding devices that make perfect holiday gifts, including a bracelet that wirelessly tracks sleep patterns and steps taken each day, and new wireless speakers that link with both handsets and tablets.”
Additional information about AT&T Inc. and services are available at http://www.att.com
