AT&T aims to restore data services

AT&T Wireless customers with smart phones and laptops discovered early today they couldn't browse the Web or send e-mail.

That's because the data services in the Edge and 3G networks were out since about 5:30 a.m. in the Southeast and Central regions, including Illinois.

Some service was restored around 2 p.m. while the rest is expected to come back this afternoon. The cause is still being investigated, said AT&T spokeswoman Meghan Roskopf.

She could not say whether customers would be compensated in some way for the daylong disruption of service.

AT&T had about 70 million wireless customers as of December, according to federal filings. The company declined to break out numbers in specific areas.

The company had reported that wireless data revenues increased 57.5 percent, compared to a year earlier, driven by increased use of smart phones and 3G wireless devices. Data growth reflects increases in messaging, media bundles, laptop connectivity, smart phone connectivity and the business market.