As part of an ongoing commitment to delivering the benefits of broadband Internet service to as many customers as possible, AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) today announced expanded availability of AT&T Yahoo!^® High Speed Internet to residents and businesses in Runge, Texas. The announcement is part of an unprecedented $800 million investment to bring the latest high speed communications to more Texans following passage of Senate Bill (SB) 5 by the Texas Legislature last year.

Local residents credited state Sen. Judith Zaffirini and state Rep. Yvonne Gonzalez-Toureilles for helping create pro-consumer public policy that encouraged technology investment.

"Few laws impact directly the everyday lives of people living within our community, especially the way one lives and works," Zaffirini said. "It is fair to say that SB 5 makes such an impact, and I truly am pleased to have been an integral part of its passage. The positive effects that broadband will have on this community’s quality of life are unsurpassed," she added.

"People say one of the big disadvantages of small towns is the lack of jobs. Children grow up and have to leave to find work. That’s not good," said Gonzales-Toureilles. "When the Legislature passed this law last year, we were looking at a way to help create jobs. To provide the motivation for a large company to relocate to a smaller town that in turn would create jobs and stop everyone from leaving. I think this will help."

"When the Texas Legislature set out to modernize our state’s communications laws, spurring investment and expanding access to cutting-edge technology were focal points of our efforts," said Runge Mayor Homer Lott. "SB 5 is good public policy, and the launch of high speed Internet in Runge proves that its working for all Texans."

"Broadband access in Runge means that our local businesses, communities and schools are equipped to compete in an increasingly interconnected world," said Norma Martinez, owner of Rudy’s Diner. "Thanks to the passage of landmark communications legislation last year, Texas can be proud that we’re an innovator and leader once again."