AT&T launches 3G network in Bloomington

Bloomington mayor Mark Kruzan along with other AT&T and IU spokespeople cut a blue ribbon in a Bloomington AT&T store Wednesday to represent the availability of the 3G network for Bloomington and other areas of Monroe and Morgan counties.

The 3G network allows users to access information using wireless phones much faster than other services in the nation, according to an AT&T press release.

Although those who have smart phones with AT&T cellular service in Bloomington could use the 3G network last Monday, the service is now better, said Brian Ducharme, vice president and general manager for AT&T’s wireless operations in Indiana and Michigan.

Since 2006’s Telecom and Video Reform Act, AT&T has invested more than $1 billion in Indiana and created more than 2,000 jobs, said AT&T Indiana President George Fleetwood.

“I don’t think we are done yet,” he said.

The passing of the Telecom and Video Reform Act has allowed the immersion of new products to be available faster to the public. Fleetwood gave the example of their new U-verse cable television package, which provides internet access along with phone and television services.

Before hand, companies would have to review new products with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, which can be a very lengthy process, Fleetwood said.