As part of its continuing network investment, AT&T officials have announced there is now enhanced wireless service in several areas of Franklin County.

The new sites will bring more coverage and capacity to benefit residents in Russellville, Phil Campbell and Vina and along thoroughfares that include Highways 24, 25 and 424.

AT&T has invested more than $1.35 billion in its best-in-class wireless and wired networks in Alabama between 2011 through 2013, driving a wide range of upgrades to enhance speed, reliability, coverage and performance for residents and business customers.

This latest investment in Franklin County is one part of AT&T’s ongoing efforts to expand coverage and to drive investment and innovation to deliver the nation’s best, most advanced mobile Internet experience for customers.

“Our legislature continues to create a business- and technology-friendly environment that encourages investments like this in our rural infrastructure,” said Alabama State Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow, who represents House District 18.

“A mobile Internet is becoming increasingly important to us, no matter where we live, work or play.”

These upgrades are part of AT&T’s Project Velocity IP (VIP), a three-year investment plan announced last fall to expand and enhance its IP broadband networks.

Through this investment, AT&T is supporting its customers’ growing desire for high-speed Internet access and new mobile, app and cloud-based services.

As part of Project VIP, AT&T plans to add more than 10,000 macro cell sites nationwide by year-end 2015, as well as deploy more than 40,000 small cells and add more than 1,000 Distributed Antenna Systems to increase the density of its wireless network.