AT&T expands Springfield-area 4G coverage

As part of $250 million in Missouri spending through the first half of 2013, AT&T Inc. has completed an expansion of 4G long-term evolution coverage in the Springfield area.

Launched in Springfield in April, AT&T's 4G LTE service coverage now includes expanded sections in the east, west and south portions of the city, as well as Ash Grove, Battlefield, Clever, Fair Grove, Nixa, Republic, Rogersville, Strafford and Willard, according to a news release.

Through its three-year, $14 billion nationwide investment initiative dubbed Project Velocity Internet Protocol, AT&T has this year invested in fiber-optic connectivity to add 3,650 additional business customers in Missouri, as well as 27,000 new customers for its U-verse service, an integrated product that includes high-speed Internet, TV and phone capabilities.

“From the $250 million invested this year to our multibillion Project Velocity IP investment initiative, we’re working to ensure that Missouri consumers and businesses remain at the leading edge of broadband services," AT&T Missouri President John Sondag said in the release.

Dallas-based AT&T (NYSE: T) reported a 2 percent decrease in second-quarter net income to $3.88 billion from $3.97 billion for the quarter ending June 30, 2012, according to a separate release.

Its shares were trading at $35.65 as of 10:33 a.m., compared to a 52-week range of $32.71 to $39.