AT&T Goes LTE On Sunday

Carrier prepares to roll out new 4G network.

Sep 16 2011, 5:51pm CDT | by Mark Raby

Get ready for the fastest AT&T service you've ever seen (not that that's saying too much).

Currently, AT&T's high-speed network uses technology that allowed it to be quickly implemented across the country but only offered incremental upgrades over this 3G speeds.

Many criticized the company for even using the term "4G" because they felt it devalued the much more robust and faster solutions offered by carriers like Sprint and Verizon.

AT&T heard this criticism lound and clear and has been working to launch an LTE network. LTE is the 4G standard currently in use by Verizon and widely considered to be the superior format of the competing 4G offerings.

On September 18, AT&T will flip the LTE switch in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Other major markets will get the upgraded service in the coming months.

AT&T originally said it would be able to launch its LTE network in mid-2011, and while it was a little bit off that target, in the world of mobile infrastructure changes, that's pretty good.

Of course, AT&T still has many obstacles to overcome. Verizon's LTE network has been up and running for nearly a year and encompasses a large swath of the country. In addition, AT&T continues to rank at the bottom of the charts when it comes to both customer service and the mobile service itself.

Nevertheless, it's keeping busy as it continues to score sweetheart, exclusive-provider deals with devices like the Kindle and Sony's Playstation Vita.

Updates

FCC clears Sprint to run CDMA, 4G LTE on 800MHz iDEN airwaves

Source: Engadget

Sprint might not have its 4G LTE network up and running to power your EVO 4G LTE , but it's already getting more headroom. The FCC has just tweaked the rules around the ESMR (Enhanced Specialized Mobile Radio) spectrum to le ...
Full article at: Engadget More like this 1 hour ago

Take me out to the ballgame, with 4G

Source: Macworld

Ever been to a sports game and tried to send a text message, upload a photo to Facebook, or send a tweet about that awesome play that just happened? If so, you may have been left frustrated by the overcrowded network that prevented that all-important m ...
Full article at: Macworld More like this 4 hours ago, 4:43pm CDT

Rant: Sprint cans the Nexus S 4G, good riddance!

Source: IntoMobile

Although it was popular in its day, it left many Android users with heavy heartache filled with missed promises. Personally, the Nexus S 4G is the hand that pushed me over the edge to the iPhone 4S, after a faithful three or ...
Full article at: IntoMobile More like this 5 hours ago, 4:33pm CDT

where to buy

Buy from Amazon

Don't miss ...

Android

Seven Coolest Android Smartphones

Mark Raby
Based in New York City, Mark follows the consumer electronics industry like a hawk. A published book author, he has a particular affinity for 3D technology and video games, and as such will surely be in the market for a new pair of glasses soon. Mark can be contacted directly at mark@i4u.com.