At AT&T, we invested nearly $2.8-billion in our Metro Atlanta wireless and wired networks during 2014-2016. These investments enhance reliability, coverage, speed and overall performance for residents and businesses. They also improve critical services that support public safety and first responders.

"Our customers are the reason AT&T exists. And, being a part of enhancing and connecting their lives with new technology and services is why we are here," said AT&T Georgia President Bill Leahy. "The significant investments AT&T is making in Metro Atlanta allows our thousands of AT&T employees who call this area home to expand our fiber network and bring a host of new, innovative opportunities to keep the community connected, drive economic growth and spur job creation."

The First Responder Network Authority recently chose AT&T to build a nationwide public safety broadband network –  a network dedicated to America's police, firefighters, EMS personnel and other first responders.

AT&T and FirstNet are working closely with Governor Deal and public safety stakeholders in Georgia to ensure the network we deliver addresses the specific needs of the state's public safety community. As states make the decision to participate in the FirstNet network, AT&T will build upon our current and planned investments with a dedicated focus on first responders for the 25-year life of the program.

AT&T is using the Internet of Things to help cities gain competitive advantage by harnessing data to predict, learn and make near real-time decisions. IoT innovation is the foundation for AT&T's smart cities work—an emerging area that the company is helping to drive—right here in Atlanta. We're working closely with the city on smart city initiatives, including their innovative SmartATL project. Atlanta is using the North Avenue corridor, an area that borders the Georgia Tech campus and is in the heart of the city's business and theater district, as a test bed for numerous technologies, including digital infrastructure. With the AT&T Digital Infrastructure solution and Current by GE's CityIQ sensors, we're helping Atlanta address issues such as traffic flow, parking optimization and gunshot detection while creating a platform for citizen engagement.

"For Atlanta to continue to thrive and serve our citizens, it's crucial companies invest through thoughtful innovation," said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. "AT&T's continued commitment to Metro Atlanta helps keep us at the forefront of the technology sector. In our increasingly connected world, this type of sustained investment from the private sector is significant and helps ensure our residents, businesses and visitors enjoy the connectivity they need."