AT&T Promising 3G Speed Boost PDF Print E-mail

AT&T Promising 3G Speed Boost

AT&T has announced that it is beginning to update its 3G data network to a higher speed version of the HSPA protocol—a change that could benefit buyers of the updated iPhone hardware expected to launch this summer. Further, the company is increasing its backhaul capacity, adding additional towers, and converting more towers to 850MHz spectrum—all of which can improve 3G reception and data speeds for all iPhone (and other 3G phone) users.

AT&T's network currently uses a version of the High Speed Packet Access protocol that tops out at a theoretical maximum of 3.6Mbps. The company will begin upgrading its network this year to a faster version of the protocol that can reach a potential maximum of 7.2Mbps, with deployment expected to be finished in 2011.