Telecom operator AT&T has invested more than $625 million in its Virginia wireless and wired networks during 2014-2016.

AT&T is making substantial investments in network upgrades to enhance reliability, coverage, speed and performance for residents and businesses. They also improve critical services that support public safety and first responders.

AT&T has made nearly 1,200 wireless network upgrades in Virginia in 2016. AT&T said it added new cell sites in Charlottesville, Falls Church, Lynchburg, and Stafford. AT&T also upgraded existing sites in Lynchburg, Martinsville, Norfolk, Richmond, Roanoke, and Virginia Beach.

“Gov. McAuliffe signed legislation that encourages companies to make more investment in wireless infrastructure,” said Vince Apruzzese, regional vice president for AT&T External Affairs in Virginia.  “This investment will also pave the path to 5G mobile services in the years ahead.”

Virginia network enhancements in 2016 included:

# Building a new 4G LTE cell site in Charlottesville

# Building a new 4G LTE cell site in Falls Church

# Building a new 4G LTE cell site in Lynchburg

# Building a new 4G LTE cell site in Stafford

# Upgrading nearly 10 4G LTE cell sites in Norfolk

# Upgrading more than 10 4G LTE cell sites in Richmond

# Upgrading more than 20 4G LTE cell sites in Roanoke/Lynchburg

AT&T was selected by the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) to build a nationwide public safety broadband network. If Virginia opt-in to the FirstNet network, AT&T will build upon its current and planned investments with a dedicated focus on the state’s first responders.

AT&T has more than 40,000 AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots at popular restaurants, hotels, bookstores and retailers. AT&T provides access to Wi-Fi at more than 1 million locations around the world. Most AT&T smartphone and home internet customers get access to the entire national AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spot network at no additional cost.