In response to today's winter weather forecast, AT&T Mobility is providing important communications tips for use before, during and after a storm to Washington area commuters.

• Have a family communications plan in place. Designate someone out of the area as a central contact, and make certain that all family members know whom to contact if they become separated. Most important, practice your emergency plan in advance.
• Use text messaging. During an emergency situation, text messages will often go through quicker than voice calls because they require less network resources. All of AT&T Mobility's wireless devices are text messaging capable.
• Take advantage of weather text-alert programs. AT&T Mobility participates in a number of text alert school closing notification programs. The company's customers should check their local news websites to see if weather related text alert programs are available in their area.
• Keep non-emergency calls to a minimum. If there is severe weather, chances are many people will be attempting to place calls to loved ones, friends and business associates.
• Program all of your emergency contact numbers and e-mail addresses into your mobile phone. Numbers should include the police department, fire station and hospital, as well as your family members.
• Keep your wireless phone's battery charged at all times. Have an alternative plan to recharge your battery in case of a power outage, such as charging your wireless device by using a car charger or having extra charged mobile phone batteries or disposable mobile phone batteries on hand.
• Keep your wireless phone dry. The biggest threat to your device during a storm is water, so keep your equipment safe from the elements by storing it in a baggie or some other type of protective covering.
• Track the storm and access weather information on your wireless device. Many homes lose power during severe weather. If you have a wireless device that provides access to the Internet, you can watch weather reports and get regular updates on your phone.
• Use your camera phone, take photos — even video clips — of damaged property for your insurance company from your device.

AT&T Mobility monitors and maintains its networks 24/7 and conducts readiness drills throughout the year to ensure that the networks and personnel are ready to respond in a moment's notice.

AT&T Mobility's wireless network preparations include:

• Adding capacity to the wireless network to accommodate increased call volume.
• Testing the high-capacity backup batteries located at every cell site.
• Maintaining a robust backup power plan, which includes deploying extended battery life and portable generators, and maintaining existing fixed generators.
• Topping off generators with fuel at cell sites and central and field-level switching facilities.
• Staging mobile cell sites and portable generators in safe locations for their immediate deployment once a storm has passed.

AT&T Mobility representatives at any of its Washington, D.C. Metro area retail store locations can provide additional tips for charging extra cell phone batteries and learning to text. More information on the company's disaster preparedness can be found at www.att.com/vitalconnections.

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services, the nation's fastest 3G network and the best wireless coverage worldwide, and the nation's leading high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of their three-screen integration strategy, AT&T operating companies are expanding their TV entertainment offerings. In 2008, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE^® magazine's lists of the World's Most Admired Companies and America's Most Admired Companies. 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.

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