AT&T said it will spend about $11 billion in 2009 out of a total capital spending plan estimated to be between $17 billion and $18 billion to expand and enhance both its wireline and wireless broadband networks. This year's projects are expected to create about 3,000 jobs, specifically in the wireless, broadband and video parts of the business.

The wireless investment will center around ongoing 3G network expansion, femtocell trials and Wi-Fi hotspot expansion. The wireline portion of the investment will go largely toward ongoing expansion of AT&T U-Verse fiber network. While the overall spending for this year still represents lower capex than last year, it is at least re-assuring for vendors to hear AT&T starting to talk more specifically about how it will spend the money.

Plans for this year include adding more than 2,100 new cell sites across the country and expanding 3G service to 20 new markets this year. AT&T also expects customer trials will lead to greater availability of its 3G MicroCell femtocell offering for boosting in-building coverage, and it will continue to expand its Wi-Fi footprint.

If you are an AT&T customer wouldn't you like to have some input and transparency as to where these improvements will take place? There are over 30,000 cell phone dead zone complaints for AT&T Wireless in our database and we think our vocal users should be heard by the carrier. Please submit your AT&T wireless coverage problems on our maps at www.deadcellzones.com/att.html