Are you as excited as I am about LTE and the blazing fast data speeds it promises? Sure you are. And while you’re undoubtedly holding your breath waiting for 4G service and handsets, AT&T is moving forward with field trials after announcing that Alcatel-Lucent and Ericsson will be providing its equipment. What’s in store for AT&T in the near future?
One step at a time for AT&T. First, it is going to upgrade to HSPA 7.2Mbps to whet our appetites for LTE. Some time later this year, we can expect field trials of LTE before AT&T starts launching it in commercial markets next year. Alcatel-Lucent and Ericsson, who both provide AT&T’s current 3G equipment, will be working with the telco once again for its LTE efforts – the former saying that its current 3G equipment can be upgraded to LTE.
This is great news and all, but I’d like to see AT&T speed up on reinforcing its 3G network where needed, like New York City and San Francisco. With Verizon starting its LTE upgrades this year, it’s the least AT&T can do to make sure its customers stay happy.
[via ZDNet]