AT&T Is Investing $2 Billion On Improving Service In This State

AT&T Inc (NYSE: T) has invested nearly $2 billion over the past three years improving its service coverage in the state of Indiana. (http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/att-invests-nearly-2-billion-over-three-year-period-to-enhance-local-networks-in-indiana-300052445.html) The efforts are a part of the company's Project Velocity IP (VIP) initiative to expand and improve its services nationwide. The initiative includes upgrades to AT&T's reliability, coverage, speed and performance. About VIPIn 2014 alone, AT&T made more than 330 wireless network upgrades in Indiana. These upgrades include new cell sites, increased network capacity, and new high-speed wireless Internet connections. Bill Soards, president of AT&T Indiana, recently discussed the growing importance of network reliability. "With a growing range of connected home appliances, cars and wearable devices, network connectivity is more important than ever before," Soards explained.Other VIP projectsIn addition to Indiana, AT&T has been heavily investing in network improvements in other locations as well in a constant battle to out-perform rival Verizon Communications Inc (NYSE: VZ). AT&T has spent nearly $200 million since 2012 improving its networks in New Mexico. The company has also spent more than $400 million during the same period on the Boston area alone.AT&T's network sales pitchAT&T boasts that it "provides the nation's most reliable 4Q LTE network today." AT&T also claims to have the strongest LTE signal in the U.S. The company was recently named Fortune's Most Admired Telecommunications Company for 2015.Share prices lagShareholders of AT&T have not been impressed by the company's efforts, but AT&T is not alone in its poor stock performance. Over the past year, shares of AT&T, Verizon, Sprint Corp (NYSE: S) and T-Mobile US Inc (NYSE: TMUS) have all lagged the S&P 500.