AT&T Details 3G Upgrade Plans

AT&T spelled out its plans Wednesday for improvements to its mobile data network, and the wireless carrier will roll out networks based on High Speed Packet Access 7.2 technology in six major markets by the end of the year.

The second-largest U.S. carrier said Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, and Miami will receive this upgrade before 2010. The mobile operator will also be deploying additional backhaul capacity to the cell towers in these markets.

AT&T plans to deploy HSPA 7.2 to about 90% of its 3G footprint by the end of 2011. It then plans to roll out 4G networks based on Long-Term Evolution technology (LTE). The faster 3G networks will have a theoretical downlink speed of 7.2 Mbps and devices like Apple's iPhone 3GS already pack the hardware capable of utilizing HSPA 7.2 networks.

"Our network is based on the predominant technology platform used by operators worldwide and has been tested by today's most popular devices," said John Stankey, CEO of AT&T Operations, in a statement. "That experience gives us an important advantage in developing and deploying new technologies to meet customers' future needs."

The move comes as the mobile operator is facing increased criticism from a small, but vocal, group of customers regarding its 3G reception and coverage. The complaints seem to be coming particularly from iPhone owners, and AT&T needs to keep these customers happy in order to retain them when the iPhone, or an iPhone-like device, eventually is offered by rival carriers.

AT&T said it plans to invest up to $18 billion this year, with more than two-thirds going to wireless and broadband deployments. Also, the company has already deployed 850-Mhz spectrum in places such as San Francisco and New York to ease 3G congestion.

Part of the growth in the smartphone market will be for enterprise use, and this can quickly bring up multiple questions about security and mobility policies. InformationWeek analyzed how businesses can lock down data when it's on the move, and the report can be downloaded here (registration required).