AT&T Announces 3G High-Speed Rollout for Mobile Internet

May 29, 2008

AT&T announced it will roll-out High-Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA) technology in the remaining markets in its entire 3G (third generation) wireless broadband network by the end of June. The move will complement existing HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) technology and makes AT&T the only carrier in the U.S. to have fully deployed HSUPA in its 3G network. AT&T’s network reaches more than 275 markets and the company plans to reach 350 by year-end.

AT&T 3G HSUPA Provides Speeds between 500 and 800 Kbps

The new upload speeds of 500 to 800 Kbps complement AT&T’S 3G download capabilities which currently offer up to 1.4 Mbps for customers who have capable devices, such as AT&T's LaptopConnect wireless modems.

"The ability to quickly upload large files from a laptop is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity," said Kris Rinne, senior vice president of architecture and planning for AT&T's wireless operations. "By fully deploying HSUPA across our 3G footprint, we not only meet the current needs of our customers but also lay the path for our continued evolution to even faster wireless broadband capabilities."

AT&T Invests $20 Billion in Network Upgrades

Between 2005 and 2008, AT&T will have invested more than $20 billion in network improvements and upgrades. AT&T recently turned down its older TDMA network, and that will allow the company to reuse valuable 850 MHz spectrum to expand and enhance 3G markets. The company's HSUPA network is expected to be able to grow in line with customer demand, evolving to HSUPA+ and providing next-generation speeds. AT&T plans to adopt LTE (Long Term Evolution) technology to reach even higher speeds in the long term.

AT&T’s new 3G network is being launched as more 3G-enabled smartphones are introduced this summer and fall, including the new Apple iPhone.