AT&T to boost the speed of its 3G network; iPhone fans rejoice
If you’ve been wishing your iPhone, or other 3G enabled phone, could go just a bit faster on the AT&T network, your wish will soon be granted.
According to Telephony Online, AT&T is currently in the process of bumping their current network from 3.6 Mb/s to 7.2 Mb/s using software patches at the base stations. Tests are currently being conducted in two test markets (unnamed), with plans to roll out to the entire network by the end of the year. While some would argue that AT&T should increase their 3G coverage before bumping up the speed of the current locations, that is the plan at this time.
Theoretically, the current HSPA network structure can be bumped all the way to 14.4 Mb/s, but the speed with which AT&T could do this doesn’t just make it practical as HSPA+, also known as “evolved-HSPA”, equipment is now ready for deployment. So, at some undetermined time after the boost to 7.2 Mb/s, AT&T will then roll out the HSPA+ which will deliver a whopping 21 Mb/s.
How does having faster speeds on your iPhone that most people have in their houses strike you? With cellular speeds reaching these levels, you do have to wonder how carriers will deal with people who have unlimited data plans deciding it is time to dump their home Internet connection, and just start using their cell phones as their computer modem. While they may not always get a consistent speed, it is still a better option than paying for home Internet, which may be slower, along with paying for their monthly cellular bill. Sure, it won’t be option for everyone out there, but you at least a few pioneering people will give it a go.
The HSPA+ speeds could possibly begin testing in 2010, but that is not a certainty as of yet. This is only a speculative date as the technology is expected to be commercially viable in 2011. For now you’ll just have to do with the 7.2 Mb/s bump some of you are already seeing.
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