Guide to Technology

WIRED
AT&T sharpens Delawares edge as leaders in technological innovation
GUEST COLUMN BY J. MICHAEL SCHWEDER, PRESIDENT, AT&T MID-ATLANTIC

EARLIER THIS YEAR, AT&T was honored

to participate in the Delaware State Chambers endof-session event recapping the accomplishments of the First States policymakers. We commend Delawares policymakers for a successful 147th legislative session. They developed and passed many smart, forward-looking policies that will foster a competitive business environment, support the emergence of innovative technologies and serve as a catalyst for business development in the state for years to come. Smart public policies allow technology companies like AT&T to continually invest and expand access to the innovative products and AT&Ts multi-billionservices that consumers demand, and that position dollar Project VIP Delaware as one of our nations most wired states. expands network access, At AT&T, our goal is to provide our customers and improves connection in Delaware and across the nation with access to the speeds. most advanced and reliable products, services and devices. We know that access to the latest technolopower to operate more efficiently and reach a broader customer base. gies, and the network that delivers them, is essential in todays digital age. Mobile technologies now make it possible for businesses of all sizes to To achieve this goal, we have been investing relentlessly in our networks respond to email on the go; easily connect with suppliers half way around across the First State. Between 2010 and 2012, AT&T invested nearly $75 million in our wireless and wireline networks in Delaware. And, we contin- the world; and enable employees to work from remote locations. Farmers can now monitor irrigation systems, on smart devices, from miles away. ued this momentum through the first half of 2013, investing another nearPatients can consult with doctors using videoconferencing. Teachers are ly $15 million in Delaware to expand and enhance our networks, in order using mobile learning platforms and digital content to make curriculum to give our customers the most seamless and reliable wireless experience more interactive, and to increase students understanding of important possible. This is all part of AT&Ts Project VIPa multi-billion-dollar, concepts both inside and outside the classroom. The possibilities are endmultiyear investment to expand access to the latest network and technololess, and these new technologies are proving to be especially crucial for gies across the nation, expected to be complete by year-end 2015. small businesses. This investment means that Delawareans will have improved access In AT&Ts annual small business survey, nearly two-thirds of small to blazing-fast connection speeds and Internet-based technologieslike business owners responded that they thought they would not be able to smartphones and tabletsthat connect them to their world. These techsurvive, or that it would be a major challenge to survive, without wireless nologies not only provide our customers with the many benefits of having the Internet at their fingertips, but it also improves the ability of Delawares technology. Many of these businesses see mobile apps as key to saving time, increasing productivity and reducing costs. With nearly 85 percent of small entrepreneurs and businesses to compete locally, regionally and globally. businesses using smartphones for operationsmore than double the usage Specifically, Internet-based technology gives companies in our state the
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Guide to Technology
from five years agoit is more important than ever that our communications infrastructure keep up with this increasing demand, and provide seamless and reliable access to latest products, services and technologies. This will be especially important for Delaware to continue growing our flourishing economy. Delaware is one of the nations leaders in business, job growth and development thanks to our states strong work ethic and great entrepreneurial spirit. To keep this spirit alive, and continue to lead the nation in business and job growth, Delaware must continue to encourage investment in new technologies through smart public policies. AT&T is proud of the work being accomplished in the First State, and we believe the best is yet to come for consumers and businesses as the evolution of communications technology continues. We are confident that forward thinking policymakers in Delaware will continue to create a regulatory environment that ensures consumers have access to todays technology, and will update laws and regulations to reflect the competitive marketplace. In a July 2013 blog post, Gov. Jack Markell said Delaware has a strong foundation to compete, lead and win on the global stage for many years to come. At AT&T, we agree, and believe that private investments in the states technology infrastructure are one way to help Delaware compete, lead and win.

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