AT&T subscribers can now enjoy high speed connectivity features, the network carrier recently revealed their plans to introduce High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2 technology. The initiation of this technology would boost the existing 3G mobile broadband network.
Initially, AT&T plans to deploy HSPA 7.2 in six major US cities, including Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles and Miami, by the end of the year. The upgraded network platform offers theoretical peak speeds of up to 7.2Mbps. However, the real-world downlink and uplink speeds at the consumers’ end with upgraded 3G will be less than the theoretical peak and will differ based on location, device, and overall traffic on the local wireless network.
“Our deployment of HSPA 7.2 and supporting backhaul connectivity will enable our customers to continue to ride the leading edge of emerging devices and thousands of mobile applications. Our network is based on the predominant technology platform used by operators worldwide and has been tested by today’s most popular devices. That experience gives us an important advantage in developing and deploying new technologies to meet customers’ future needs,” mentioned John Stankey, president and CEO, AT&T Operations.
“With HSPA 7.2, we’re making the nation’s fastest 3G network even faster, and we’ll be able to deploy this technology before LTE networks, devices and equipment grow to scale. Even as we look forward to LTE, we know that 3G will be the predominant mobile broadband network technology worldwide for smartphones for the next few years. AT&T’s strategy will deliver faster 3G speeds, while also allowing us to build the foundation for the 4G future,” he continued.
The company is looking forward to include six HSPA 7.2 compatible smartphones in its collection by the end of the year. With the introduction of these devices, subscribers can fully explore the capabilities of the HSPA 7.2 technology. The technology will be backed by extensive additional wireless backhaul, the connections that carry traffic from cell sites to AT&T’s IP backbone network.
Some of its initiatives that aim towards offering premium technology to its consumers include preparation for field trials of 4G LTE wireless networks next year and plans to offer widespread access to their Wi-Fi network. Further, it also involves reaching out to new cities and improving coverage in other areas. The network carrier also aims to expand the wireless spectrum serving 3G customers
The network carrier aims to offer HSPA 7.2 in 25 of the nation’s 30 markets by the end of 2010, and to accomplish about 90 percent of its existing 3G network by the end of 2011.