AT&T has invested almost $5 billion dollars in the state of Georgia over the last three years, and over $21 million in Columbus, Georgia, alone during that time. These funds have helped enhance the AT&T wireless network and grow their fiber cable capabilities to meet the ever-increasing demand for wireless services. For example, in just the last six years, mobile data traffic on AT&T’s network has increased by 50,000%, according to Terry Smith, Regional Director of External Affairs.  Smith covers most of middle Georgia from Macon to Columbus, Dublin to LaGrange and Robbins. With 40+ years in the industry and 16 years as Regional Director, Smith has seen that rapid growth firsthand and is helping to spread the word about advancements such as new Columbus services, including U-verse entertainment and video services and 4G LTE capabilities. 

But AT&T provides more than just dollars to Georgia’s economy with initiatives like No Texting While Driving, United Way employee and corporate support, and active involvement with a number of chambers of commerce; Smith is actually on the board for the Columbus chamber. Speaking of his work with the Columbus Chamber, “I am working on a task force seeking to assist veterans and their spouses with employment, specifically soldiers leaving Ft. Benning. We are working to identify jobs available in the future—with companies in the region—to identify the skills needed and the obstacles veterans and the hiring companies face, and then we hope to address those skills and mitigate the problems,” Smith says.

AT&T is also a major sponsor of the Jim Blanchard Leadership Forum, which takes place this week in Columbus, and features speakers such as Mark Cuban, Sheryl Sandberg and Spanx founder Sara Blakely. “We also are involved with Junior Achievement and Columbus State University and STEM efforts through our AT&T Foundation ASPIRE grants.” 

To stay at the top of their highly competitive industry, AT&T has had to evolve aggressively in their 135 years to remain an innovative service provider. “I think that the last 10 years have seen more change than the first 125 years,” Smith says, “and we have always been at the front edge. Our customers know our name and they expect the services they get to reflect the best in technology, be high quality and provided with integrity.”

Smith also notes he feels fortunate AT&T has forward-thinking leadership, which makes it an exciting, rewarding company for its employees. Smith explains, “I’m an ambassador for AT&T and enjoy messaging our initiatives in the communities I serve. I interface with the community at all levels, from volunteer organizations to elected officials, businesses, chambers, and residents. I also represent the community back to our company and keep my finger on the pulse of the community and share what I’m hearing with our leadership.”

Going forward, Smith assures that AT&T will continue to be dedicated to strengthening Georgia’s economy, job market, and wireless capabilities—and anticipating what’s next in the world of connectivity needs. “We work to serve our communities and provide the highest level of communication and technology possible,” says Smith.