With the dress rehearsals over, security kicking into high gear and Inauguration-themed drinking guides circulating around, Inauguration is right around the corner. Officials are predicting several hundred thousand people will descend upon Downtown DC to take part in the festivities. Even though the crowds are expected to be smaller than last time, the sheer amount of wireless data used will likely increase as people rely on their smartphones to take pictures and connect with others. To help keep you connected, AT&T recommends several tips and tricks:

Be tech-smart and follow these tips:

• TXT: Send text messages whenever possible; texting uses the least amount of data
• Save, then send: If you are having problems uploading your photos, save, then share them with friends
• Use Wifi: AT&T customers have free access to nearly 60 free AT&T WiFi hot spots near the National Mall.  Customers who want to share pictures and videos with friends can use these hot spots if they want to get in out of the cold, or if they are looking to avoid network congestion.

AT&T has been working around the clock for the past 18 months to prepare for the expected demands on the wireless network and provide the best wireless experience possible, helping customers enjoy and share historic memories using the most cutting-edge technologies. We are increasing the mobile broadband capacity on the Mall and Inaugural Parade route by 200 percent! This includes adding high-power amplifiers to all antennae in the Mall area, allowing more devices to access the cell sites at the same time and allowing more data from more devices to travel faster. We’re also deploying nine temporary mobile cell sites, as well as a number of rooftop antenna sites to boost service along the parade route and near the Mall.

That said, with hundreds of thousands of people in a confined space all uploading their photos and videos of the President taking the oath onto Facebook … there could be congestion. Be patient, tech-smart and, most importantly, enjoy the Inauguration!