AT&T announces plan to rollout 7.2Mbps HSPA

AT&T announced that it will upgrade its current 3G network to faster 7.2Mbps HSPA technology. The network upgrade will begin later this year and is expected to be completed by the end of 2010. Along with the deployment of HSPA, AT&T is also adding 2,100 new cell sites, beefing up the capacity of the network by connecting current cell sites to a fiber-optic backbone, expanding coverage of the higher quality 850 MHz spectrum and increasing the availability of femtocells and microcells for improving coverage inside buildings. Along with faster speeds expect to see several new 7.2Mbps HSPA compatible modems and smartphones will be also introduced later this year. Although very much welcomed, this increase is only a temporary measure that will hold everyone until LTE is rolled out. AT&T plans to begin LTE trials in 2010, with commercial deployment beginning in 2011. Woo!

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