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AT&T to extend network locally, iPhone in tow
Published: January 22. 2009 4:00AM PST
AT&T Wireless, the exclusive service provider for Apple’s iPhone, is preparing to extend its network into Central Oregon with the hope of being operational in Deschutes County by early 2010, according to a company statement.
The nation’s largest wireless provider, AT&T has recently filed applications with the city of Bend and Deschutes County to build at least eight cell towers in various locations in both jurisdictions.
“AT&T hopes to have a network presence and retail stores in Deschutes County by early 2010,” reads the statement. “Until that time, all AT&T customers can continue to use their devices in Deschutes County as they currently do.”
AT&T already provides coverage to many areas of Oregon, including Portland, the Willamette Valley and along the Columbia River. In Central Oregon, its coverage is currently limited to Madras and a sliver of northwest Crook County. AT&T customers in Deschutes County roam, or use another provider’s network, when placing calls here.
The company previously restricted purchase of the iPhone, allowing only customers who lived in AT&T’s service areas to buy the phone. That policy has since changed, though it does require customers who live outside its service areas to limit the amount of minutes spent roaming to less than 50 percent of their total bill. Exceeding the 50 percent limit can result in termination of service, according to the company.
Deschutes County is already served by Verizon Wireless, Unicel (which has been purchased by Verizon), U.S. Cellular, T-Mobile and Sprint Nextel.
While likely to have an impact on consumer choice, an AT&T network presence in Central Oregon is unlikely to affect the decisions of businesses who are thinking of relocating to the area, said Ruth Lindley, with Economic Development for Central Oregon.
Lindley said telecommunications infrastructure is not as important as it was five or seven years ago. Nowadays, it’s broadband Internet access, she said.
Andrew Moore can be reached at 541-617-7820 or at amoore@bendbulletin.com.
