AT&amp;T is testing bumped-up 3G speeds

Some people may not be happy with the iPhone running on the AT&T 3G network, but at least it appears that network will be running faster. AT&T is already in advanced testing of its new faster 3G network, which was first revealed by Scott McElroy, AT&T VP of Technology Realization, in an interview with Telephony Online.

AT&T says it is going to increase the downlink capacity on its high speed packet access (HSPA) from 3.6 megabits per second to 7.2 megabits per second by upgrading the software at the base stations. Currently, AT&T has the enhanced network running in two test markets, but plans to extend the faster spec to its entire network. Then, AT&T plans to start migrating its networks to 'Evolved HSPA' which would triple peak speeds.

Of course the big question for many of us is will the iPhone work with these enhanced speeds? AT&T says most of the data cards, smartphones, and the iPhone will support the new tweaked specs, at least up to 14.4 Mb/s. It's probably a good idea for AT&T to drastically improve its network, especially as it is begging Apple to renew its partnership for another year.

Maybe that will get the SlingBox Mobile app running happily if it ever arrives. Grrrr.

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Source: http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/specials/iPho…

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Some people may not be happy with the iPhone running on the AT&T 3G network, but at least it appears that network will be running...

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Lindty

"I have a solution for you. Move. AT&T has solid 3G coverage in Sacramento, for instance... http://www.cddvdripper.com I downloaded something on my Bold the other day and got 80kbps download."

May 23 2009 at 3:09 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

d.enos

Sure would be nice if most of the not major city country could get 3G at all.

April 22 2009 at 3:41 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Drew

It would be nice if New York City could get reliable 3G at any speed. It is so rare that an iPhone 3G can maintain a 3G connection here. Mine is on EDGE 60-70% of the time. Even when it goes to 3G, there is something screwy about AT&T's DHCP/IP-address provisioning: connections constantly just time out even with 5 bars of signal and all Internet apps stop working. Have to go into Airplane mode for several seconds and then back out to reconnect reliably.

April 22 2009 at 1:44 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

FultonKBD

Going against the grainâ€¦ I have been real happy switching back to AT&T so I could get an iPhone. The overall coverage in the areas I travel has been fine. 3G coverage is fine and have only dropped to the EDGE network a few times.

Like any carrier and phone combo there has been some issues. I do experience a dropped call every-once-in-a-while. I sometimes have a hard time connecting to the network when I'm inside a large stone/brick office building.

I had AT&T before they bought Cigular and they were horrible - coverage and customer service. I have used AllTel, which had good coverage and T-Moblie, which was horrible - coverage and customer service. So I feel for anyone who has experienced problems with any carrier. It gets frustrating to say the least.

Maybe I'm just lucky enough to be in the right place but I'm happy with AT&T. Faster 3G speeds is just icing on the cake for me.

April 22 2009 at 11:37 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Chase

I agree, get more base coverage out to more areas before working to improve what you have. I want better service everywhere!

April 22 2009 at 8:12 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

sachin

I will remain with at &t considering the fact that it is planning to launch upto 21mbps speeds this year. Whoa!!!!!!!!

Sachin
http://qtp.blogspot.com

April 22 2009 at 5:25 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

reallycrazyguy

When the iPhone first came out, AT&T and Apple both actively advertised watching video over AT&T's network from YouTube.

Somehow Slingbox video is different?

April 22 2009 at 1:50 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

zobisch

Well, that doesn't do any good if the backhaul won't support that speed

April 22 2009 at 12:27 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Donna Martin

They are bumping it up to slow, from real slow.

April 22 2009 at 12:14 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

erichd

hmmm... seems like this might be the stumbling block...

Any info on the "4G" Sprint is advertising?

What are the chances we'll see CDMA iPhones to take advantage of any true 4G?

April 21 2009 at 11:57 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply