Global communications company AT&T, Inc., invested nearly $40 million in its wireless network in Minnesota during the first six months of this year, the Dallas-based company said Thursday.

That investment was part of an overall capital investment of close to $50 million that the company made to improve and expand its wireless and wireline networks across the state.

The money was used to: /> ¥ Add more than 55 new cell sites throughout the state, including areas like Grand rapids, Ham Lake, Lutsen, St. Cloud, and West St. Paul. The additions created more network capacity to improve and expand wireless coverage. /> ¥ Upgrade more than 60 cell sites in Brainerd and Duluth to mobile broadband service, the fastest wireless technology that AT&T provides. /> ¥ Deploy additional radio carriers in Duluth, St. Cloud, and the Twin Cities in order to improve the quality and coverage of wireless voice and data connections.

AT&T claims to have invested more to improve its offerings within the past three years than any of its U.S. competitors; the company said that it plans to invest $18 billion to $19 billion-or as much as 10 percent more than last year-in 2010 “assuming the regulatory environment remains favorable.”

“AT&T's investment in our wireless broadband infrastructure is absolutely essential to help stimulate our state's economy, spur innovation and fuel job creation,” Republican state representative Kurt Zellers said in a statement. “It also moves our state closer to the goal of universal broadband deployment, which will enhance economic development and help ensure that Minnesota remains an attractive state to live and work.”