Author: lydia

New Mexico’s Viper Tours Delivers Ultimate Storm Chasing Adventure

As storm season approaches, Viper Tours (www.vipertours.com) gears up to give thrill seekers a taste of tornado alley and the raw power of nature. With a team of experts at the ready, Viper Tours is the definitive name in private storm chasing, putting clients at the center of dramatic and intense weather systems. (PRNewsFoto/Viper Tours)
As storm season approaches, Viper Tours (www.vipertours.com) gears up to give thrill seekers a taste of tornado alley and the raw power of nature. With a team of experts at the ready, Viper Tours is the definitive name in private storm chasing, putting clients at the center of dramatic and intense weather systems. (PRNewsFoto/Viper Tours)

 

As storm season approaches, New Mexico’s Viper Tours (www.vipertours.com) gears up to give thrill seekers a taste of tornado alley and the raw power of nature.

With a team of experts at the ready, Viper Tours is the definitive name in private storm chasing, putting clients at the center of dramatic and intense weather systems.

Viper Tours founders Dustin Feldman and Jeff Shardell formed the company to share their passion for extreme experiences. Each adventure results in a transformative journey for all.  Tour guests are in great hands with Feldman’s background as a medic and field coordinator for Discovery Channel’s Storm Chasers and Shardell’s impressive skills as a dynamic navigator and forecaster.

This is no tour bus venturing into the eye of the storm, but a futuristic vehicle for unparalleled access to the action. The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor truck takes on the roughest terrain at high speeds, making it the perfect complement to the stellar team at Viper Tours.

Storms are unpredictable, but Viper operates “on call only,” organizing tours around specific weather occurrences, meaning no one goes home disappointed by a non-event.

The five-night all-inclusive custom adventure includes expert guides, high-quality lodging and food and a memorable photo book and video documenting the experience. In-between active storms activities include rafting, hiking, biking and historical exploration.

For a limited time only, Go Moment (www.gomoment.com), the acclaimed service that specializes in creating and offering extraordinary experiences, is offering Viper Tours packages at an exclusive, first-time ever insider price—up to 30% savings. For booking information visit www.GoMoment.com

For those not up for the thrill of a chase, Viper Tours offers a virtual option via a real-time live feed available exclusively through their Web site at www.vipertours.com. Follow along as the team and their guests venture into rarely scene tornado territory.

About Viper Tours
 Dustin Feldman and Jeff Shardell are the entrepreneur trailblazers behind the company.  Their mission is simple; complete a life-altering quest by putting clients up close and personal with the formidable forces of nature. The Viper Tours’ team boasts more than 9 years experience in adventure touring to offer clients an unmatched encounter. That expertise combined with the most innovative technology available position Viper as the only storm chasing company offering an elite experience.

New Mexico Kids Will ‘Kick Butts’ on Wednesday, March 20

CAMPAIGN FOR TOBACCO-FREE KIDS LOGO

State Leaders Urged to Support Tobacco Prevention Initiatives

Kids in New Mexico will stand up against tobacco on March 20 as they join thousands of young people nationwide for the 18th annual Kick Butts Day. More than 1,200 events are planned across the United States. (See below for a list of local events.)

Organized by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and sponsored by United Health Foundation, Kick Butts Day is an annual celebration of youth leadership and activism in the fight against tobacco use. On Kick Butts Day, youth will encourage their peers to stay tobacco-free. They will also educate their communities about the dangers of tobacco and the tobacco industry’s harmful marketing practices.

This year on Kick Butts Day, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is highlighting the tobacco industry’s products and marketing that entice kids to use tobacco. According to the Federal Trade Commission, tobacco companies spend $8.5 billion a year – nearly $1 million each hour – to market cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products. This marketing has an impact on kids:

  • While the U.S. has greatly reduced youth smoking, 18.1 percent of high school students still smoke, and nearly 1,000 kids become regular smokers each day. Among youth smokers, 86 percent prefer Marlboro, Newport and Camel, which are the three most heavily advertised cigarette brands, according to the government’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
  • Tobacco companies have also introduced new products that appeal to kids, including cheap, sweet, colorfully-packaged small cigars that look just like cigarettes. Many cigars come in fruit and candy flavors such as strawberry, vanilla, peach and apple.
  • In a 2012 report, the U.S. Surgeon General concluded that tobacco marketing causes kids to start and continue using tobacco products.

“On Kick Butts Day, kids will stand up and reject Big Tobacco’s manipulative marketing,” said Matthew L. Myers, President of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. “It’s also a chance for elected leaders to commit to protecting kids from tobacco through policies such as tobacco taxes, smoke-free laws and prevention programs. We hope that legislators will listen to their young constituents and implement these proven solutions to reduce tobacco use and save lives.”

Tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable death in the United States, killing more than 400,000 people and costing $96 billion in health care bills each year.

In New Mexico, tobacco use claims 2,100 lives and costs $461 million in health care bills each year. Currently, 19.9 percent of the state’s high school students smoke.

On Kick Butts Day, kids turn the tables on Big Tobacco with events that range from “They put WHAT in a cigarette!?” demonstrations to health fairs to rallies at state capitols. Activities in New Mexico include:

  • On March 20, students at Dennis Chavez Elementary School in Belen will learn what’s in a cigarette as well as the dangers of tobacco use as part of Kick Butts Day. Time: 4 PM. Location: 19560 Highway 314, Belen. Contact: Irene Lucero-Lovato (505) 269-6278.

For a full list of Kick Butts Day events in New Mexico, visit http://www.kickbuttsday.org/events. Additional information about tobacco, including state-by-state statistics, can be found at www.tobaccofreekids.org.

CONTACTS: Virginia Bader, 202-745-5115
Catherine Butsch, 202-296-5469

Datil Doings: March 2013

GRAND OPENING: THRIFT STORE IN DATIL at the intersection of Old 60 and Hwy 60 right in the center of town. This Friday, March 15th – a new thrift store will open in Datil!  Hours 8am-5pm.  Leon and Michelle say they plan to be open ALL weekend as well!  Donations still needed. Call 772-5287

**There are new business listings following the Events**

UPCOMING EVENTS    

MARCH               
Tuesday, March 12 6pm Meeting of the Board of the San Augustin Water Coalition to be held at the Baptist Church in Datil at 6PM.  On the agenda:  Finalize plans for annual meeting, Discussion of Endangered Place application,  Financial report   The meeting is open to all.

Saturday, March 16 1:30 pm The Catron County Historical Society will meet at the Pie Town Community Center.  Marvin McGee will talk about the history of Adams Diggins.  If you would like to become a member or have not renewed your dues yet, contact Sally Blum at sallyb44@hughes.net or call 575-772-2539.  You can also join March 16 at the Pie Town meeting.  Dues: Individual-$20, Family-$30, or Business-$50 for the year. To preserve the history of Catron County through recorded presentations and pictures, we NEED YOU.

Wednesday, March 27, LUNA Food Fairs and USDA Foods (formerly known as commodities) – at the following location: Luna Community Center:  Sign in: 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Distribution begins approximately ½ hour after sign-in. For further information:  ldonpatsmith@gilanet.com

Sunday, March 31st at sunrise– EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE AND BREAKFAST – provided by the Datil  area churches DATIL WELL CAMPGROUND

APRIL

Friday, April 5, 2013  Food Fairs and USDA Foods (formerly known as commodities) – at the following locations:

Datil Community Center: Sign in 10 am to 11:00
Horse Mountain Fire Department:  Sign in  10:30 to 11:30 am
Pie Town Community Center:  Sign in 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm
Quemado Community Center: Sign in 1:00 pm to 2:00pm

Distribution begins approximately ½ hour after sign-in.
For further information:  ldonpatsmith@gilanet.com

LET’S BUY LOCAL AND SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES!

NOTARY SERVICE in DATIL
LORETTA HARGIS is a notary.  To reach Loretta – work  575-772-5722 ext 102, home 575-772-5209  Loretta does not charge for notary service.

We Care Services 575-772-5387 or cell 505-379-9266 Barbara Owens, LPN, 35+ years of experience, based in Datil.                                                                                                                                                                 Case Management- assisting seniors and families with in-home assessments, information & access to Senior Services, Planning ahead, Sharing the Care Groups, Monitoring Client Status and Coordinating Services.                                                                                                                                                              Consultation services for Adult Day Services, Non-Medical homecare, Alzheimer’s and Dementia behaviors, Family Consultation, Court Assessments and Court Visitor.                                                        Trainings/Workshops on Alzheimer’s and Dementia, Caregiver stress, Medication Assistance, Adult Day Care & Aging in Place.

DATIL DO  A Licensed Hair Salon in Datil, owner Kelsi Walraven.  Open Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday 9am-5pm  772-5355  Convenient location and unbelievable hair cuts for women and men.  Look for the dark red building- on Hwy 12, just north of the Datil School Gym,  Eagle Guest Ranch RV Park.

ESSENTIAL OILS  Ann Jenkerson   772-5156. Rethink your medicine cabinet!  Essential oils are natural, safer, more effective and economical.  You have heard all the commercials for the latest best drugs that are 1/4 what the medicine does for you and 3/4 the side effects that are worse than the original problem.  No side effects with essential oils.  Certified Pure Theraputic Grade oils available; can be used (depending on oil) topically, aromatically or  ingested.  Contact Ann Jenkerson for more information on using essential oils, buying essential oils or building your own essential oil business.  575-772-5156, jenks@gilanet.com or my website- www.doterra.myvoffice.com/datiloils .

Alegre Theapeutics, LLC – Therapeutic Massage in Quemado at the Junction HW 60 & HW 32, Quemado look for the signs! Extended SPECIAL SENIOR DISCOUNT (63 or older) February! 20 % off!  Katharina McWhorter, owner and licensed massage therapist  Improve your health and live a better life – Pain therapy, stress relief, relaxation, mobility.  Gift Certificates available!  Hours Monday thru Thursday 10 am – 5 pm by appointment only.  Please call 575-773-4141 or 575-418-8333. Make your appointment today and comfort your bones and joints with a warm and healing touch. Alegre Therapeutics, is open. Our gate is closed to protect our small animals – come in anytime!

VETERINARIAN
Jack Duncan, DVM now lives and works in Datil.  Jack has a mobile vet office and is in Reserve 1st and 3rd Thursdays each month, 2nd Thursday in Quemado, MONDAY- WEDNESDAY – Office in Datil is open – by appointment.  Friday as needed.  575-772-5150 office.  bigcountryvet@gmail.com   Jack’s office and home are located off Route 12 about 1 mile south of Datil.  Please call for appointment.  It is so wonderful to have a local vet!

CAT SPAYING & NEUTERING
Dr. Duncan would like to make the community aware of a program called Cat Spay of Santa Fe.  This foundation is providing vouchers for the spay and neuter of cats (Cats only).  There are a few restrictions on who will qualify–but most people will qualify.  If interested in having a cat fixed just call 505-466-1676.  They have a website with all the details: www.zimmer-foundation.org.  Big Country Veterinary Service is accepting the vouchers which covers the entire cost of the surgery.

HUNGRY HOUNDS (AND CATS TOO)?  A not for profit organization helping low-income dog/cat owners in Catron County and Magdelena who are in need of assistance with:  DOG OR CAT FOOD, Pet Medications, Spay/Neuter costs.  Call to apply or donate –   Pat Henry 772-5106. Donations of your gently used flea market items, dog/cat food, pet medications or cash are greatly appreciated.   The flea market will reopen in Datil very soon.

Fur and Feather Animal Assistance, Inc. Permanent Residential Facility for Dogs and Cats  Adoptions and Limited Intake for Lost & Abandoned Animals  Laurie Beauchamp, Pie Town, NM, 575-772-2661.

COMPUTER SERVICES
Serving Northern Catron County  – Computer training, setup & repair, Jack will come to you or bring it to him. Call Jack Koerber @ 575-772-5293. 30+ years experience on a wide range of software (inc. MS-Office & various graphic programs) and hardware with 10+ years servicing Datil, Pie Town & Quemado and the rest of northern Catron County.

Las Cruces Arts Fair, March 15-17, 2013

THE POTTERS OF MATA ORTIZ will be at the 2013 Las Cruces Arts Fair, March 15 – 17 2013, Las Cruces Convention Center.

The potters of Mata Ortiz, in Chihuahua, Mexico will be the guest artists at the 2013 Las Cruces Arts Fair. These award-winning potters will demonstrate their unique methods of hand-building and decorating their pottery and offer their work for sale. This pottery extravaganza will be the largest Mata Ortiz gathering outside of Mexico.

Potters expected to attend the show are a Who’s Who of famous potters.

WALTER PARKS, author of “The Miracle of Mata Ortiz,” published in a beautiful hardbound edition in 2012, will lecture about Juan Quezada and the early years in Mata Ortiz at 10:00a.m. Sunday March 17. RUSSELL DIERS, co-author of “The Magnetism of Mata Ortiz” will give a lecture at 2:00pm on Saturday March 16, 2013.

A special screening of Scott Petersen’s Emmy award winning film, “The Renaissance of Mata Ortiz” will take place on Sat. Mar. 9th at 5:00pm at the Rio Grande Theater in downtown Las Cruces. A suggested donation of $10 per person will be accepted at the door. Scott will host a question and answer discussion after the screening.

Hand-dyed garments, glass art, copper enameling, pottery, furniture, jewelry, metal art, mixed media, and traditional acrylic and oil paintings will all be on display with several available for purchase.

The Las Cruces Arts Fair is sponsored by the Dona Ana Arts Council, a non-profit organization,  dedicated to improving the quality of life in Las Cruces and Southern New Mexico by ensuring that the performing, visual, and literary arts are an integral part of the education, economic growth and community development of the surrounding areas.

Hours of The Las Cruces Arts Fair at the Las Cruces Convention Center:

  • Opening Night – Music and Cash Bar: March 15, 5- 9 p.m., $6 (Children under age 12 admitted free)
  • March 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ,$6 (Children under 12 free)
  • March 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., $6 (Children under 12 free).

Visit http://www.las-cruces-arts.org or call 575-523-6403.

Staying Ahead of Disaster: Make Sure Your Pets Are Protected, Too!

Over 36% of US households own a dog—what would you do if you couldn’t reach a store to get Fido his food? Stephanie Dale, author with the APN, offers the following tips:

The best way to protect your household from the effects of a disaster is to be prepared. If you own pets you are responsible to prepare for them as well.  Many disasters could cut off your access to more pet food from the store.  A prolonged power outage could keep the stores closed, or they may already be sold out.  Storing some extra food for pets is essential for their health and well-being. For the full story, click here.

Photo by MegaAussies9

Want to find a hidden treasure worth millions? Head to New Mexico.

A New Mexico multimillionaire wants you to get off the couch and go searching for hidden treasure… HINT: it’s in Socorro! 

 

 

By Erika Angulo, for TODAY:

Forrest Fenn, 82, believes too many Americans spend their free time watching TV or playing video games. He hopes the bounty he hid — a chest filled with millions of dollars in gold coins, diamonds and emeralds, among other gems — will prompt some to explore the outdoors. “Get your kids out in the countryside, take them fishing and get them away from their little hand-held machines,” he told TODAY. Do we have your attention? CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!!

Click here for the video New Mexico Hidden Treasure on TODAY

The World’s Largest Gathering of Nations Celebrates 30 Years of Native American and Indigenous Cultures

 

The 30th Annual Gathering of Nations, the world’s largest gathering of Native American and indigenous people, takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico between April 25 and 27, 2013. During the “Grand Entry,” thousands of Native American dancers simultaneously enter University of New Mexico University Arena dressed in colorful regalia to the sounds of beating drums. (PRNewsFoto/Gathering of Nations/Photo by Andrea B. Good)

 

The Gathering of Nations, the world’s largest gathering of Native American and indigenous people, will celebrate its 30th anniversary in Albuquerque, N.M. between April 25 and 27, 2013. Considered the most prominent powwow in North America, it will host tens of thousands of people and more than 700 tribes from throughout the United States, Canada, and around the world honoring three decades of Native American culture and traditions.

The three-day event includes more than 3,000 traditional Native American singers and dancers, more than 800 Native American artisans, dozens of indigenous contemporary musicians and performers, and a wide variety of food vendors. A young Native American woman is also crowned Miss Indian World. Native American and indigenous women representing different tribes and traditions compete in the areas of tribal knowledge, dancing ability, and personality assessment.

The first Gathering of Nations was held in 1983 at the former University of Albuquerque. In 1984, the powwow was relocated to the New Mexico State Fair Grounds and eventually moved to its current location, the University of New Mexico Arena (known as “The Pit”), in 1986. Throughout the years, it grew to become the largest Native American powwow in North America, but still honors its original intent of offering a powwow contest that is fair to all dancers.

The Gathering of Nations is celebrating its 30th anniversary with the release of a new book, “30 Years of Gathering: Gathering of Nations Powwow,” and the launch of Gathering of Nations Internet Radio on the iHeartRadio network.

The 30th Annual Gathering of Nations begins on April 25 at 7 p.m. at the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel – Albuquerque with the Miss Indian World competition. The powwow kicks off at “The Pit” with the “Grand Entry” at 12 p.m. (noon) on Friday, April 26, and repeated Friday evening at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, at 12 p.m. (noon) and 6 p.m. The new Miss Indian World will be crowned on Saturday evening during the powwow.

Powwow tickets cost $17 per day, $34 for a two day pass, or $50 for a two day pass with VIP seating. For more information, visit www.gatheringofnations.com.

Mark Your Calendar: Carrizozo Music in the Parks, Friday, March 8

The Piatigorsky Foundation of NYC and Carrizozo Music in the Parks are sponsoring a  concert on Friday, March 8 at 7Pm at the Trinity Methodist Church in Carrizozo. The performance will feature award winning mezzo soprano Katherine Calcamuggio accompanied by pianist, John Elam.   The concert is free to the public and accessible to all. 

Prior to the concert, members of the Trinity United Methodist Church will host an Irish dinner of fish and chips with all the fixin’s, cheesecake and homemade ice cream for $8. They will be serving from 5-6:30.  Dine in the church fellowship hall, then move to the sanctuary and listen to Thomas Radcliffe perform on guitar and Spanish laud  during the interlude between dinner and the concert!

A reception will follow the concert with an opportunity to chat with the musicians.

The next concerts in our series will be Anne Eisfeller, Concert Harp, on Thursday, April 18 at 2pm at the Old Gym of the Carrizozo School Campus.  Friday, April 19 at 7pm  Anne will play duets with Valerie Potter, principal flute for the NM Philharmonic.  Both concerts are free and open to the public.

For more information please check www.carrizozomusic.org or call Elaine 575-648-2757

For over 22 years, The Piatigorsky Foundation’s commitment to artistic excellence and public outreach has fascinated many avid concert goers, as well as curious first-timers. It is this combination of complimentary access, flamboyant performances, and human warmth that makes Piatigorsky Foundation concerts so appealing to diverse audiences. Last
year, the Foundation presented a tour of 10 concerts in New Mexico reaching over 1,990 people in Lovington, Jal, Carrizozo, Albuquerque, and Hobbs. In an effort to serve more communities this season, for the very first time The Foundation will present two tours in the state. The Fall tour took place in November 2012, and the Spring tour will take place March 2013, beginning in Tatum and concluding in Carrizozo.

KATHERINE CALCAMUGGIO is an award-winning mezzo-soprano whose talent distinguishes her as one of the most promising young vocalists on the opera scene today. In the past four seasons, Calcamuggio has been featured in important role and company debuts across the United States, eliciting kudos for her “soaring, rich voice” (The Miami Herald), her “polished musical and dramatic characterizations” (Kurt Weill Newsletter) and her “fine coloratura technique” (Philadelphia Inquirer). Auspicious operatic and symphonic debuts from recent seasons include roles as Hansel in Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel; Siebel in Gounod’s Faust; Stephano in Roméo et Juliette (for which Calcamuggio was named “Artist of the Year” in 2009 with Syracuse Opera); Sesto in Handel’s Giulio Cesare and Un Musico in Manon Lescaut with Florida Grand Opera; the Young Nun in the world premiere of Stephen Hartke’s The Greater Good (available on the Naxos label) and Aglaonice in Philip Glass’ critically-acclaimed Orphée with Glimmerglass Opera. Ms. Calcamuggio is currently working on her doctorate at University of Michigan and holds a Master of Music degree from  Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Music degree from Bowling Green State University.

A native of Cleburne, Texas, JOHN ELAM is a Master’s student at the University of Michigan studying collaborative piano, where he is a student of Martin Katz. He received his BM and MM degrees in Piano Performance from Baylor University, where he studied with Jane Abbott-Kirk, Jeffrey Peterson, and Vincent de Vries. Mr. Elam has served as music director for Fiddler on the Roof, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Urinetown, while also serving as rehearsal pianist for Igor Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress this past spring. In addition to his work in musical theater and opera productions, Mr. Elam has extensive experience as a choral pianist, having performed with the Texas All-State Choir. He made his solo debut with orchestra in 2004 with the Grieg Concerto in A minor and has performed at the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas and Symphony Hall in Detroit.

Evan Drachman established The Piatigorsky Foundation in 1990 in honor of his grandfather Gregor Piatigorsky. Piatigorsky deeply believed in the healing and inspiration power of classical music. He once said, “Music makes life  alive. It is magnificent. And it is for everyone”. Through his sizzling artistry and charismatic personality, Piatigorsky thus enlivened his mission by performing for millions of people around the globe. The Piatigorsky Foundation is committed to carrying on Piatigorsky’s noble aspiration by
evoking cultural curiosity through educational and accessible live performances.

Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival Spring Show Celebrates 25 Years!

Photography by Jim Carnevale

 

From March 8-10, the Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival Spring Show will open its doors to celebrate 25 years.  Featuring a juried lineup of 200 fine artists and craftsmen from all over the country in a variety of mediums: glass art, jewelry, watercolor, ceramics, wood, photography, oil paintings, mixed media and more, this Albuquerque favorite never ceases to draw huge crowds!

Festival goers enjoy a variety of live music, specialty foods, artists’ demonstrations, and the complimentary Kids’ Creation Station, while artists ring in exceptional sales.  In honor of our 25th year, and nearly a decade of ranking in Sunshine Artist’s ‘Top 100 Shows’, we would like to toast to our talented artists, loyal customers, and New Mexico’s fabulous spring weather.

The Festival will be held indoors in the Lujan Exhibit Complex at Expo NM Fairgrounds in Albuquerque, New Mexico. From I-40, exit south on Louisiana Blvd. – turn west on Lomas Blvd. – turn south on San Pedro Blvd. Turn in at Gate 3 or 4 to enter the Expo New Mexico Fairgrounds.

Visit their website for savings on Festival admissions and more details!

AT&T Invested Nearly $175 Million In New Mexico From 2009 Through 2012 To Enhance Speeds, Reliability And Performance For Customers

Expanded 4G LTE Coverage, New Cell Sites and Boosted Capacity Drive Improved Customer Experience

AT&T* invested nearly $175 million in its New Mexico wireless and wireline networks from 2009 through 2012, with a focus on expanding 4G LTE mobile Internet coverage and enhancing the overall performance of its networks.**

AT&T has made nearly 325 wireless network upgrades in six key categories in New Mexico during 2012, including activating new cell sites, adding capacity, upgrading cell sites to provide fast 4G LTE mobile Internet speeds, deploying high-capacity Ethernet connections to cell sites, and adding or upgrading Distributed Antenna Systems, which boost wireless coverage and capacity in buildings and at major venues like convention halls or sports arenas.

“We know our customers depend on us for fast, reliable mobile Internet connections at home, work and everywhere in between,” said Vicki Martin, AT&T New Mexico vice president and general manager. “Delivering for our New Mexico customers is a top priority and our ongoing investment here is designed to deliver a superior mobile Internet experience, encompassing speed, coverage and reliability.”

AT&T launched 4G LTE in the Albuquerque area in December 2012. AT&T 4G LTE is the latest generation of wireless network technology and provides faster mobile Internet speeds and improved performance on a variety of mobile smartphones and tablets.

The AT&T 4G LTE network has been nationally recognized for its speed and coverage. AT&T 4G LTE delivered faster average download speeds than any of the competitors in PCWorld’s most recent 13-market speed tests , and telecommunications industry analyst firm Frost and Sullivan awarded AT&T its North American Mobile Network Strategy Award for the second year in a row in 2012.

“Across New Mexico, this robust investment in the AT&T wireless and wireline networks is important to spurring the economy and creating jobs. In our wireless world, mobile and broadband networks help create economic opportunities for health care, manufacturing, education, transportation and public safety and virtually every other economic sector,” said Jerry Fuentes, President, AT&T Arizona and New Mexico.

Planned Investment to Expand Reach of Wireless and Wired Broadband

AT&T recently launched Project Velocity IP (VIP), a three-year investment initiative to expand and enhance its wireless and wired IP broadband networks. As part of Project VIP, AT&T plans to increase the density of its wireless network by deploying more than 10,000 macro sites, more than 1,000 distributed antenna systems, and more than 40,000 small cells. Through this initiative, we also plan to:

  • Expand 4G LTE to cover more than 300 million people by year-end 2014
  • Expand the AT&T wired IP broadband network to cover approximately 75 percent of customer locations in our wired service area by year-end 2015
  • Expand the AT&T fiber network to reach 1 million additional business locations by year-end 2015

For more information about AT&T’s coverage in New Mexico or anywhere in the U.S., consumers can visit the AT&T Coverage Viewer. Using the online tool, AT&T customers can measure coverage quality of coverage from a street address, intersection, ZIP code or even a landmark. For updates on the AT&T wireless network, please visit the AT&T network news page.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

**Limited 4G LTE availability in select markets. 4G speeds not available everywhere. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Compatible device and data plan required. Learn more at att.com/network .

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and internationally. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s largest 4G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T │DIRECTV brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.  This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.

© 2013 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
 Information set forth in this press release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.