AT&T Announces Major 3G Expansion in 2008

AT&T has officially announced this morning that 2008 will be a very big year for its wireless broadband networks. America’s largest cellular provider has plans to expand its 3G coverage into more than 80 new cities in 2008. The target is to cover more than 350 leading US markets by the end of the year and involves rolling out over 1,500 new cell towers nationwide. An average of over four new cell sites per day is a pretty lofty goal but apparently AT&T is up to the challenge. Beyond expansion, AT&T will also focus on some eagerly anticipated improvements. That’s right, HSUPA, bitches! Current uplink speeds on AT&T’s 3G network average between 500 and 800kbps at best, and HSUPA will do a great deal to improve those speeds. The transition to HSUPA, once completed, will make AT&T the only US provider to fully adopt HSPA standards. President and CEO Ralph de la Vega states, “With these aggressive initiatives, we’re expanding the scope and the speed of our 3G capabilities, connecting people with their world and enabling more customers to do more with their wireless devices, wherever they may be.“ What’s more, AT&T will be looking towards the future while modernizing and expanding their current networks. De la Vega goes on to say, “We’re also planning for the future by establishing a clear path to a 4G network that will meet the needs of our customers for years to come.” No time line was given as far as 4G is concerned, but the current plans of 3G expansion and enhancement will do a great deal to satisfy current customers and attract new ones. There’s nothing worse than having a 3G handset with no 3G coverage to back it up!

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