AT&T formally announces 7.2Mbps upgrade plans
By Ronald O Carlson
Apple’s exclusive wireless partner in the U.S. is moving to preempt the “Verizon factor” as the fateful day approaches when current and hopeful iPhone customers will have more choices than just one.
AT&T has announced plans to upgrade the nation’s fastest 3G network to deliver High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2 technology beginning this year and continuing through 2010. Further, the carrier has also said that its next generation LTE—Long Term Evolution—network rollout will begin 2011 with limited trials.
“AT&T’s network infrastructure gives us a tremendous advantage in that we’re able to deliver upgrades in mobile broadband speed and performance with our existing technology platform,” said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “With the array of smartphones, laptops and emerging devices taking advantage of AT&T’s 3G network today, we know that customers are excited to experience higher mobile broadband speeds, and we are deploying the right technologies at the right times to help them get the most from that experience.”
In addition to these planned upgrades, the oft maligned carrier is enhancing its mobile broadband coverage by almost doubling the wireless spectrum dedicated to 3G in most metros to deliver better indoor reception and more overall capacity. Further, AT&T is adding thousands of new cell site backhaul connections to better support the speeds enabled by HSPA 7.2 and LTE (your mileage will vary).
A bold move to extend their network advantages or a Hail Mary ahead of what many hope is the first Summer of love between Verizon and Apple? Here’s hoping Adam Smith’s invisible hand slaps some sense into both carriers [i.e. boosting service, cutting rates, etc]…
What’s your take?
See also:
— Apple, Verizon said to be aiming for 2010
— Verizon, Apple in talks regarding ‘media pad,’ ‘iPhone lite …
— Next iPhone likely to be faster
— Australian 3G iPhone to be fastest in world at 42Mbps …
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