From the implementation of a wireline and wireless infrastructure to long distance and data services, AT&T is providing tools to enhance and support athlete training at the three primary U.S. Olympic Training Centers (OTCs), in Chula Vista, California; Lake Placid, New York; and Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The AT&T U.S. Olympic Training Center Program will enable coaches and athletes to transfer video files quickly and easily via AT&T services in dorm rooms, gyms, and on playing fields. The infrastructure will also enable distance e-learning capabilities for athletes pursuing academic degrees. AT&T is providing America's athletes with these technology services to help them achieve competitive excellence on the "Road to Beijing" and beyond.
The first AT&T Athlete Connections Center will open today in Chula Vista and will feature Wi-Fi, wireless services, AT&T | DISH Satellite Network service, and AT&T Yahoo! High Speed Internet service, which enables convenient, fast and reliable access to e-mail services and online gaming. The opening of the center marks the completion of Phase 1 of AT&T's multi- phased, $3 million program that will continue to have impact through the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China and beyond.
"From the outset of this program, we gathered input from everyone involved -- athletes, coaches and staff -- to find out how AT&T could best serve the U.S. Olympic effort," said Karen Jennings, senior executive vice president for advertising and corporate communications for AT&T. "By providing the communications services they need to train at the highest levels, keeping them connected both on and off the field, and by giving them entertainment resources during their rest and relaxation periods, AT&T will help the U.S. Olympic Team athletes be even better-positioned to compete."
AT&T will continue to provide the U.S. Olympic Committee with products and services to help ensure that its business needs are met. The following services have proved to be invaluable in the USOC's daily operations:
-- OneNet is an integrated long distance, data service, and audio/video conferencing portfolio that allows Team USA and the USOC to quickly and easily "call a meeting" from virtually anywhere via telephone, Web, or video
-- VPN Tunneling Service Remote Access provides the USOC with the ability to access its network off-site securely anytime, anywhere (of particular importance for staff, coaches and athletes who travel extensively for various competitions)
-- Wireless communications -- including international coverage -- for mobile phones, PDAs, and other devices.
In the near future, AT&T will complete additional phases of its program and further enhance these USOC services with a very high bandwidth circuit. The circuit will provide reliable connectivity for high-volume traffic, increasing the overall bandwidth of the USOC's network for faster flow of voice, data, and video communications.
"We are excited to continue our relationship with AT&T as we prepare for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China," said Jim Scherr, United States Olympic Committee chief executive officer. "The AT&T solutions installed at our U.S. Olympic Training Centers are not only providing athletes with the tools to improve training and school work but also keeping them connected to family and friends, a critical component to ensure that athletes stay motivated throughout long months of training."
