AT&T’s 3G network is going to keep getting better, according to AT&T Mobility CEO Ralph de la Vega. In an interview with Engadget, de la Vega outlines his company’s plans to bring improved 3G coverage and performance in key US markets. By migrating 3G data services off the higher frequency 1900Mhz band, used to ferry data in some major US cities, and onto the 850Mhz swatch of spectrum, AT&T can offer their best network on a frequency with better range and reliability. And it’s all going to happen in Big Cities, USA (like San Francisco and New York) by the end of 2009.
The news that AT&T is aiming to complete their 3G network migration to the more capable 850Mhz GSM ban came straight from de la Vega, so it’s a fairly reliable goal-line to look towards. Unfortunately for folks with 2G-limited (EDGE) devices, AT&T’s decision to co-opt the higher-frequency band for 3G services will means that 2G services will now rely on the more finicky and shorter-range 1900Mhz band. In fact, you may have already started noticing a drop in 2G performance in your area. Still, the push to migrate 3G services to the 850Mhz band highlights AT&T’s ongoing effort to improve their 3G network.
While the rest of the world is already looking towards HSPA and HSPA+ wireless networks that are capable of delivering blistering wireless data speeds of 20Mbps+, the US is once again concentrating on catching up with ubiquitous 3G service. At least de la Vega has confirmed HSPA+ to help bridge the gap to LTE over the next year and a half, or so. Awesome…?
[Via: Engadget]