Although we don’t usually cover these kind of news, it’s important to note to our fellow bloggers and other information workers that now they can enjoy all the benefits (i.e. fast data transfer) of the 3G network from the beautiful island of Oahu. Meaning, you can start packing immediately and as soon as you land, visit one of the AT&T stores and grab one of the USB/PCMCIA/ExpressCard modems available (that’s in case you still don’t have one).
For the rest of the world, this means one more place for the perfect vacation is down. Figure out something else — you may be tempted to actually work on Oahu and that’s something you want to avoid…
Full press release which surprisingly doesn’t mention NTT DoCoMo — if you remember the Japanese carrier reportedly helped AT&T build 3G network in Hawaii — follows after the jump.
PRESS RELEASE – AT&T Inc. has announced a change in how, when and where people in the Aloha State access the Internet, use e-mail or view a variety of entertainment services by offering the 3G wireless broadband service in Oahu.
The launch of 3G service continues AT&T’s growth in Hawaii. Over the past three years, AT&T has invested $49 million in the state’s wireless network.
AT&T’s third-generation (3G) wireless broadband network enables consumers and businesses to enjoy the benefits of broadband speeds. Customers can use their 3G handsets to quickly access feature-rich wireless content, including videos, games, pictures and the latest music, entertainment, news and weather, through MEdia Net, the company’s mobile Internet portal. With the 3G network, customers also can view razor-sharp clips through CV, an on-demand streaming video service that offers a comprehensive library of mobile video content from some of the top media brands.
“The benefits and features of our 3G network are a perfect match for the outdoor and active lifestyles in Hawaii,” said Ed Maruyama, director of sales for AT&T’s wireless operations in Hawaii. “AT&T’s wireless customers will benefit from the powerful combination of a superfast network and a portfolio of next-generation 3G devices that quickly deliver interactive content and applications anywhere, anytime — whether a user is on the road for business or enjoying another beautiful day at the beach.”
The AT&T 3G network also offers AT&T LaptopConnect mobile customers DSL-like speeds for their laptops, with the ability to access the Internet, their company’s intranet or corporate e-mail from anywhere within the 3G network.
The combination of AT&T’s 3G network and LaptopConnect — which simply requires a LaptopConnect card or a laptop with embedded 3G capability, software and an AT&T data plan — is ideal for customers who want to increase business productivity and need to quickly download large files and run corporate applications.
Benefits of the AT&T 3G Network
AT&T’s 3G network uses HSDPA/UMTS (High Speed Downlink Packet Access/Universal Mobile Telephone System) technology. The company’s 3G network is also based on the GSM (Global Systems for Mobile Communications) standard, the most widely used technology in the world. More than 2.6 billion people use wireless devices powered by GSM — representing more than 85 percent of the world’s wireless users.
The 3G network provides the simultaneous delivery of voice and data — a capability not offered by all wireless providers. AT&T Video Share is an example of a 3G service that enables users to share live video over wireless phones while carrying on a voice call — providing a new way to share personal moments and key events beyond the capabilities of voice and text. Users can allow others to “see what I see, when I see it.” Earlier this summer, AT&T Video Share was launched in 3G markets nationwide.
Among several other benefits, the simultaneous data and voice capability allows customers to participate on a conference call from their 3G device while they download a presentation or access the Internet.
Another benefit of GSM technology is that customers who leave AT&T’s growing 3G service footprint automatically convert to the AT&T EDGE network without dropping the call or data connection.* The EDGE network is the largest high speed wireless voice and data network in the country, with availability in more than 13,000 cities and towns and in areas along 40,000 miles of highway. EDGE technology is also available in more than 120 countries and is available to AT&T customers who are traveling internationally.
“The new 3G wireless broadband network is an example of AT&T’s commitment to ensuring that customers have access to cutting-edge technology and services — whether it’s to communicate more efficiently with friends, family and work or to give them access to a host of entertainment services,” said Maruyama. “Customers can switch between voice and data and easily access the information that they want — whether they are in Hawaii, going out of state or traveling overseas.”
Customers who use a GSM phone, such as those offered by AT&T, can take their device with them when they travel abroad and can benefit from worldwide access through the GSM standard. AT&T subscribers have the ability to browse the Web and perform other data functions in more than 135 countries, and they can make a phone call in more than 190 countries and territories.
AT&T 3G customers can access the wireless broadband network in more than 200 U.S. major metropolitan areas. The company will also expand 3G service to additional markets by the end of the year. The 3G network is also available in almost every major country of the world. Over the past three years, the company has invested more than $18 billion to build and support the scope and capability of its wireless network and to add 3G markets. This initiative ensures quality of service and empowers customers with fast access from their handsets and mobile devices.