Why is mobility siting important? <br />In the last 20 years, the number of U.S. cell sites has grown from 5,000 to more than 302,000.' <br />Customers expect wireless service wherever they are, including "in-building" and "in-home" access to voice and <br />data services, so sites must now be closer to the customer. <br />Customer usage growth means more sites, but as more sites are needed we face bigger challenges. <br />AT&T network equipment and technicians constantly monitor and extensively test our network to assure that we <br />are delivering reliable, robust service to our customers. <br />We're also constantly scrutinizing our network and responding to customer feedback to identify locations where <br />we need to add capacity, enhance coverage and address coverage gaps. <br />Some of the tools we use to hear from, and communicate with, customers about capacity and coverage issues include: <br />• Mark the Spot App enables users to identify coverage gaps. <br />• Responding to customers on social media channels. <br />• Customers contacting us directly to discuss coverage gaps <br />Additionally, we work closely with government officials and community leaders to identify areas in need of <br />enhanced capacity and coverage. <br />As the network grows, where a new site can be placed gets more challenging, i.e., the area where it will serve its <br />function - capacity and coverage - is generally a small and specific targeted area. <br />Key factors AT&T takes into account as we upgrade and expand our network: <br />• Network Data: Our internal data may show where capacity needs are high or gaps in coverage may occur. <br />• Customer Input: We may discover capacity or coverage gaps when customers report problems. <br />• New Cell Sites: We invest time, capital and other resources to address capacity or coverage gaps. <br />• Other: Snapshot of current average use and forecasts of future use. <br />When AT&T is approached by a community or a business to discuss broadband availability needs, what are the <br />primary points of discussion to address those needs? <br />Broadband requests would be for high-speed, voice and data wireless capabilities <br />Consumers rely on wireless communications more than ever before and demand is still growing. Manycommunities <br />understand that wireless broadband is a key to economic development and a driver for new business andjobs. <br />So, it's not uncommon to get requests from local organizations. <br />When a community or business approaches us, our network engineering planners evaluate the need and determine <br />if there is a capacity concern or a gap in coverage. If there's symmetry between what the community or business is <br />asking for and our needs for greater capacity, coverage and speed, that is a potential place for anew cell site. <br />