A nev,v cell site could be needed for multiple reasons. An area may have not been previously served by our network, in which <br />case dne cell site needed is for coverage. Or, consumer demand in a certain area has grown so much that a cell site is needed <br />to provide additional capacity For better service quality- Issues like these are why we've committed to expanding and <br />enhancing our nets/vork through the Velocity IP plan {s <br />Generally, new cell sites fall into three general categories; <br />'I i Needed due to increased demand <br />- <br />• To acid capacity to a wireless network vje often add additional cell sites within a given area, enhancing our ability to <br />offer best-in-class voice and data services. This is (mown as densification. When the same number Of users is spread <br />over more sites, they each get better service and more consistent data speeds. <br />2. In-Fill Needed v/here signal strength no longer meets current customer demands. <br />3. Coverag:= Needed to provide service to an area not previously served by AT&T. <br />We are always scrutinizing our network to deliver the best, most reliable service to our customers, no -natter where they <br />are located, and to help prevent capacity and coverage gaps. Here are some of the key factors we take into account <br />as we upgrade and expand our network: <br />Our internal data may show where capacity needs are high or gaps in coverage may occur. <br />Customer I We may discover capacity or coverage gaps when customers report problems. <br />Nev; - - - We invest time, capital and other resources to address capacity or coverage gaps. <br />Othe Snapshot of current average use and forecasts of future use. <br />Other factors include: <br />A' A <br />Topography: If an area is very hilly, more sites <br />are needed to cover the area since there is <br />shadowing from terrain Consider how a hill <br />blocks the sun's rays at sunset. <br />i~ <br />iii• <br />iiii~ _ ~i'~~► <br />In more dense traffic and <br />population areas, we also <br />need to have more sites <br />in order to provide the <br />necessary capacity. <br />The more people in an area, like <br />an arena, the more cell sites are needed to ensure <br />strong reception and capacity. This can be <br />vs , accomplished by placing more cell sites closerto the <br />arena and/or deploying DAS and Wi-Fi in the arena. <br />6AR-: I A <br />