AT&T Inc. plans to spend more than $46 million in Michigan this year to upgrade and expand wireless coverage.
The telecom giant will add new cell sites and roll out a next-generation, higher-speed wireless network to new markets across Michigan.
The plan lifts AT&T's investments in it Michigan wireless network to more than $221 million over three years.
AT&T plans for improved coverage and capacity include Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, metro Detroit and Flint.
Also planned is an upgrade to emergency generators throughout the state and improved coverage in northern Michigan in time for the busy summer travel season.
"High-quality coverage and the ability to communicate wherever you are and however you want, those are our goals," said Brian Ducharme, AT&T's vice president and general manager for wireless operations in Michigan.
The Michigan investments is part of AT&T's plan to expand 3G wireless broadband network to more than 80 additional cities to 350 leading U.S. markets by the end of 2008.
The technology enables customers to access greater wireless content, including videos, games, pictures and music entertainment, news and weather.
AT&T plans to add 3G service in Detroit and Flint.