AT&T to expand 3G wireless coverage in 2008

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AT&T to expand 3G wireless coverage in 2008

AT&T has announced plans for a major expansion of its 3G wireless broadband coverage in 2008. The plans include expanding service to more than 80 unspecified new cities, as well as an enhancement in upload speeds provided by an upgrade to High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA) technology. The planned expansion is expected to deliver 3G services to nearly 350 leading U.S. markets by the end of 2008, including all of the top 100 U.S. cities. A list of cities currently supporting 3G can be found here; the 3G initiative will include the roll out of more than 1,500 additional cell sites nationwide. “Fast wireless broadband is the foundation for a whole range of new and emerging applications that our customers are adopting, including everything from social networking to sending live video and large business files,” said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO for AT&T’s wireless unit. “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.” Although not directly mentioned in the announcement, AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson has previously said that a 3G-capable iPhone model will be released this year.

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Comments

1

Uhhhhhh…..Boys and girls. This Randall guy from AT&T is serial stupid. It takes YEARS to roll out a 3G network. You are starting with a completely new infrastructure from the ground up. ALL NEW COMPONENTS. Nothing from the old stuff works. You have to get agreements from people to put in new antennae, FCC approval for the radios, network burn in, etc…. 3 to 5 years people. Please don’t fall for the Apple/AT&T lie again.

Posted by Don Trammell on February 6, 2008 at 12:05 PM (PST)

2

Well unfortunately Don, you are incorrect. It is being rolled out/expanded this year. I cannot say much more than what randall said, but in my position, it is what I and others are working on.

Posted by imbluenote on February 6, 2008 at 12:47 PM (PST)

3

Hi imbluenote,

Thanks for the feedback. I do hope you are correct. I was present and participating on the build out of the Mannesmann network (now Vodafone), the E-Plus network, and a few other networks. 3G is an entirely new ballgame as none of the old parts work with the new stuff. Well, maybe the antenna masts. If AT&T is really building out as you say, this will be a boon for everyone. Here’s to hope.

Posted by Don on February 7, 2008 at 6:52 AM (PST)

4

Hey, I would really just like to get a DSL fast access line to my internet. Cant they get that working toooo???

Fran

Posted by wot90s on February 14, 2008 at 12:36 PM (PST)

5

Oh and yes, I even live in the town limits of OP. Not anywhere out in the boonies..
So you would think I could speed away like a bullet? Not quite
more like the turtles..

Posted by wot90s on February 14, 2008 at 12:38 PM (PST)

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