Communications holding company, AT&T, said on Monday it plans to invest in 3G wireless expansions as part of 2009 growth programs.

The plans will create jobs and fuel economic growth as people's lives become increasingly mobile and fast-paced, the firm said.

The company, which announced last month its plans to invest about $1billion in global network infrastructure, will add more than 40 new cell sites throughout Illinois and 3G footprint in Champaign, Kankakee, LaSalle, Ottawa and Peoria.

New third generation networks are where technology is headed, and we need to be a leader. That's also why I am supportive of expanding broadband to every part of the state. I congratulate AT&T on its investment in this infrastructure said Rep. John Shimkus, a senior member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee.

AT&T U-verse TV channel also said in separate statement, it plans to expand their ethnic programming including new international programming for Chinese, Indian, Vietnamese and Korean viewers.

In January 2009, AT&T reported totaled revenues of $31.1 billion for the fourth quarter, net income was $2.4 billion and cash from operating activities totaled $10.9 billion. Full-year revenues totaled $124.0 billion, net income was $12.9 billion and cash from operating activities totaled $33.7 billion.

AT&T Shares rose 92 cent to 3.63percent at $26.25 at early New York Stock Exchange trading.

AT&T