INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Sen. Brandt Hershman (R-Wheatfield) joined AT&T officials in announcing plans to add 35 new cell sites that will deliver third generation wireless broadband across the state, including Lafayette.

Hershman, who authored a 2006 telecom reform law which has been recognized as the best in the nation, said AT&T’s total capital investment in Indiana as a direct result of the bill recently exceeded $1 billion. He cited those numbers as proof Indiana has become an attractive place for technology companies to invest and expand.

“Through the reform of our telecommunications laws, many companies including AT&T, Smithville telephone, Embarq, and others have been provided with a strong incentive to invest in Indiana, creating jobs and providing Hoosiers with access to the latest technology whether it’s making a call, surfing the Internet, or using new video services” Hershman said. “Investing in Indiana’s communications infrastructure helps Hoosier families and businesses.”

In recent years, the communications company expanded its TV service, U-verse, and its high-speed Internet services to urban and rural areas across the state. In addition to the $1 billion in investments, more than 33 percent of AT&T’s national video service rollouts occurred in Indiana, and more than 1650 new jobs have been created.

Recently, AT&T included Lafayette and West Lafayette in its 3G Wireless Broadband Network, which delivers typical downlink speeds and faster uplink speeds to users. Hershman said the company plans include a new cell site in Lafayette this year.

“New and enhanced connectivity in our area means more opportunities for commerce, education and consumer choice,” Hershman said. “Indiana must work to continue to enhance technology access for all Hoosiers.”

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The new iPhone 2.0 software that Apple released July 11 will enable Purdue faculty and staff iPhone devices to have connectivity to the Exchange servers.

Purdue Exchange administrators and the Office of Information Technology at Purdue’s Desktop Computing Services have been beta testing calendaring, Exchange integration, and other capabilities of the version 2.0 software. Version 2.0 software enables both the first model of the iPhone and the iPhone 3G to work with enterprise resources on campus. iPhone 2.0 software connects reliably to Purdue’s wireless network upgrade, PAL 2.0, and uses the Cisco VPN client.

Once version 2.0 software is installed and properly configured on an iPhone, there is some specific information needed to successfully connect to the Exchange server. In addition to providing manual configurations for PAL 2.0 and Exchange, Desktop Computing Services will provide some automatic iPhone configurations for PAL 2.0, the Cisco VPN, and Exchange. Details are linked from the Desktop Computing Services Web page: http://www.itap.purdue.edu/help/support/desktop/iPhone.cfm. Desktop Computing Services also will provide support and troubleshooting for any devices covered by a service agreement.

Users of the new iPhone 3G will be able to download and connect to the Internet at a faster rate than with previous models.

“3G service is currently not available from AT&T in the Lafayette area, so the faster cellular data connection speed will really not be seen immediately,” says Scott Ksander, executive director for networks and security at ITaP. “However, AT&T has informed Purdue that the 3G service will be available in this area starting in September.”

The iPhone 3G works as a phone, as an audio player, and as a connection to the Internet and e-mail. Gary Rantz, director of Desktop Computing Services, says, “Some features of the iPhone 3G might not be reimbursed by Purdue, depending on the needs of departments.” Users can check with department administrators to find out whether text messaging or video streaming features are eligible expenses.

Purdue faculty and staff can get 20 percent off AT&T service plans for iPhone 3G devices. They can register for the discount on iPhone 3G wireless services when purchasing the device at AT&T retail stores. The iPhone 3G went on sale July 11. To find a local, authorized AT&T store, go to http://www.wireless.att.com/find-a-store/. Details are provided at the ITaP Shopping Web page, http://www.itap.purdue.edu/shopping/ATT.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University has partnered with AT&T to provide discount phone services to university students and employees.

AT&T will offer a 20 percent discount on regular basic plans for cellular phones and personal digital assistants, including Blackberries. The discounts will be available to those at the West Lafayette campus and Purdue’s Calumet, Fort Wayne and North Central campuses. The discounts do not apply to upgrades and cannot be used with other offers, but Purdue students and employees with existing AT&T accounts may be eligible.

“We are always looking for ways to benefit not only our students but also our faculty and staff, and this is one way we found that we can help,” said Gerry McCartney, Purdue’s vice president for information technology and chief information officer. “Every little bit helps, especially for the students, so we hope a lot of them use this.”

Purdue students and employees can register for the discount through the ITaP Shopping Web page, http://www.itap.purdue.edu/shopping/ATT. Those who wish to order also can visit AT&T stores in their areas, which are listed on that Web site. Those receiving the discount must have a valid Purdue e-mail address and the appropriate Foundation Account Number. For students, that is 2523574. For employees, it is 2016767.

To find a local, authorized AT&T store, go to http://www.wireless.att.com/find-a-store/