“AT&T has announced that it is beginning to update its 3G data network to a higher speed version of the HSPA protocol—a change that could benefit buyers of the updated iPhone hardware expected to launch this summer. Further, the company is increasing its backhaul capacity, adding additional towers, and converting more towers to 850MHz spectrum—all of which can improve 3G reception and data speeds for all iPhone (and other 3G phone) users.

AT&T’s network currently uses a version of the High Speed Packet Access protocol that tops out at a theoretical maximum of 3.6Mbps. The company will begin upgrading its network this year to a faster version of the protocol that can reach a potential maximum of 7.2Mbps, with deployment expected to be finished in 2011.

The carrier plans to have a number of compatible smartphones and 3G networking cards available later this year. For instance, the next-gen iPhone hardware expected this summer is rumored to have a 3G radio compatible with the faster standard. While you’re not likely to actually reach that 7.2Mbps glass ceiling, users with capable hardware should see data access speeds roughly double what they were before.”

[snip]

“The infrastructure improvements will prepare AT&T for a planned upgrade to the 4G LTE standard, expected to begin rolling out over the next couple of years, too.” -Ars Technica

Random Posts

• Star Trek (Spoilers)
  Anthony Ricardi's review of: Star Trek Read More →
• Let Me In Review
  Knowing that Let Me In wasn’t so much a horror yarn as it was a study of adolescent turmoil where one of the characters just happens to be a vampire allowed me to enjoy the story much more and raise my appreciation for the original at the same time, a win-win in my book. Read More →
• New Indiana Jones Photos Revealed!
  Head over to the Official Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull MySpace to check out the 10 new images added to the slide show! Read More →
• Looking to Fuel Your Game? Horde Prevails.
  Seeing the latest seasonal Mountain Dew Game Fuel sporting World of Warcraft colors, fonts and characters, we felt wanted to let you know whether or not you should ingest one or both varieties. More importantly, we were eager to find out whether or not either held the ability to fuel your game. Read More →
• Stupidity Captured at 2500 Frames Per Second
  Slow motion videos will always hold a special place in my heart, and further, a post on my website. Read More →
• Breaking the Mold: The Bioshock Art Book
  If you happened to be looking for something awesome, but you weren't sure what exactly constitutes being awesome, this book is a prime example."Breaking The Mold: The Developer's Edition", a new version of the Bioshock art book was revealed on Cult of Rapture. On March 16th, 2kGames began taking pre-orders for the new book that they call "the definitive BioShock 1 artbook." Read More →
• Cartoon Favorites Drawn Realistically
  Dave Rapoza spends his time reinterpreting some of your most beloved cartoon characters into true-to-life portraits. Read More →
• Ghanain Cocoa Officially Certified Fairtrade For Cadbury
  For the last century, Cadbury Dairy Milk candy bars have used Ghanaian cocoa beans to achieve their trademark taste and texture. Recently, Ghanaian cocoa has been officially certified Fairtrade certified in the UK and Ireland. Read More →