AT&T* announced the availability of its third generation (3G) mobile broadband network in Duluth, opening the door to a new era of mobile services, devices and feature-rich audio and video content for customers in the area.
The activation of 3G technology on more than 60 cell sites will enhance wireless coverage for residents and businesses in the greater Duluth area, as well as neighboring Superior, Wisconsin. The 3G network has also been enhanced along major roadways, including Highways 33, 25, 53 and 61 in Minnesota, and Highways 2, 35 and 53 in Wisconsin.
AT&T is an industry leader in delivering the benefits of mobile broadband networks, devices and applications. With the nation’s fastest 3G network, AT&T provides accelerated mobile data speeds and simultaneous voice and data capabilities for an amazing wireless voice and data experience.
“We applaud the efforts of AT&T for making the investments in Duluth and bringing 3G to the area,” said David Ross, president and CEO of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce. “We also applaud the leadership of Senator Yvonne Prettner Solon, chair of Senate Energy, Utilities, Technology and Communications, for her work in the Minnesota legislature, and Mayor Ness for his advocacy for technology in Duluth. Both have helped ensure that wireless companies are able to make the necessary investments in Minnesota to bring the latest 3G technology to our community.”
The network expansion in Duluth is part of AT&T’s ongoing efforts to drive investment and innovation to deliver the nation’s best, most advanced mobile broadband experience for customers. From 2007 through 2009, AT&T’s total capital investment in its Minnesota wireless and wireline networks was more than $275 million.
“These investments in smart networks are enabling the innovation of today and tomorrow that will enhance economic growth and stimulate jobs in Duluth,” said Bob Bass, president, AT&T Minnesota. “We commend the work of the Minnesota state legislature and the other leaders of our state who are creating a positive economic environment that provides opportunities for companies to continue to invest aggressively in Minnesota.”
Wireless data traffic on the AT&T network has grown more than 5,000 percent over the past three years, largely attributed to the increasing popularity of advanced smartphones and the performance of AT&T’s 3G network, the nation’s fastest.
“Demand for wireless bandwidth is growing, whether it’s for sharing video and photos with friends, watching a movie, checking the latest scores, or listening to music on a phone, netbook or other mobile devices on the go,” said Hardmon Williams, vice president and general manager for AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets in Minnesota. “With this expansion, our customers can enjoy the nation’s best, most advanced mobile broadband experience with emerging devices and tens of thousands of mobile applications.”
AT&T recently completed a software upgrade at 3G cell sites nationwide that prepares the nation’s fastest 3G network for even faster speeds. The deployment of High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2 technology is the first of multiple initiatives in AT&T’s network enhancement strategy designed to provide customers with an enhanced mobile broadband experience, both today and well into the future. Faster 3G speeds are scheduled to become available this year and in 2011 as AT&T combines the new technology with the increased deployment of high-speed backhaul connections to cell sites, primarily with fiber-optic technology.
AT&T’s 3G mobile broadband network is based on the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) family of technologies that includes GSM and UMTS, the most open and widely used wireless network platforms in the world. AT&T has the best international coverage of any U.S. wireless provider, delivering voice service in over 220 countries and data service in more than 190 countries. AT&T also offers voice and data roaming coverage on 130 major cruise ships, as well as 3G services in 115 countries.
For more information about AT&T’s 3G coverage in Minnesota or anywhere in the United States, consumers can visit http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer. The online tool can measure the quality of coverage based on a street address, intersection, ZIP code or even a landmark.
For updates on the AT&T wireless network, please visit www.att.com/networknews.
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