AT&T is starting 2012 off on a speedy note, announcing that its 4G LTE network is now available in 11 new markets across the country. Starting today, AT&T's LTE network is live in the New York City metro area, Austin, Chapel Hill, Los Angeles, Oakland, Orlando, Phoenix, Raleigh, San Diego, San Francisco and San Jose. This latest expansion brings AT&T's LTE coverage to a total of 26 markets and 74 million people. AT&T added that it expects its LTE rollout to be complete by the end of 2013.
Many AT&T customers noticed that their carrier had quietly flipped its LTE switch in some areas of the country (such as NYC) for testing last month, but now the network is officially live and open for use by owners of devices like the Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket and HTC Vivid. There's no word on when we can expect the next AT&T LTE network expansion to go down, but you can bet that we'll pass along more details as we get them. If any of you happen to live in one of the newly-minted AT&T LTE markets and own an LTE-capable device, go ahead and give the new network a go. Just don't forget to let us know how it's working for you when you're done, k?
AT&T ROLLS OUT 4G LTE TO CUSTOMERS IN 11 MORE MARKETS
AT&T 4G LTE Now Available in 26 Markets Including NYC Metro, San Francisco, Los Angeles
AT&T’s Blazing Fast 4G Speeds, Device Lineup, Apps Will Make for Best Customer Mobile Broadband Experience
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 5, 2012 — AT&T* customers are now enjoying blazing fast 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) speeds in 11 more markets, including New York City metro area, San Francisco and Los Angeles. This addition makes AT&T 4G LTE available in a total of 26 markets to 74 million consumers. John Stankey, President and Chief Executive Officer—AT&T Business Solutions, provided an update at Citi’s 22nd Annual Global Entertainment, Media and Telecommunications Conference in San Francisco.
New markets where AT&T 4G LTE is now available are: New York City metro area, Austin, Chapel Hill, Los Angeles, Oakland, Orlando, Phoenix, Raleigh, San Diego, San Francisco and San Jose.
The expansion adds to 15 AT&T 4G LTE markets launched in 2011: Athens, Ga.; Atlanta; Baltimore; Boston; Charlotte; Chicago; Dallas-Fort Worth; Houston; Indianapolis; Kansas City; Las Vegas; Oklahoma City; San Antonio; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Washington, D.C.
“We’re building a 4G LTE network that’s blazing fast, and we offer dual layers of 4G technologies to provide customers with a more consistent speed experience,” said Stankey. “Our network, together with our unsurpassed 4G device portfolio and innovative applications, will give our customers an industry-leading mobile broadband experience.”
AT&T is the only U.S. carrier providing 4G using both HSPA+ and LTE technologies. HSPA+, when combined with enhanced backhaul, provides customers with access to 4G speeds — meaning AT&T customers get a faster and more consistent 4G experience on their compatible devices, even when outside of a 4G LTE area. Customers of other carriers that have transitioned to 4G LTE without further speed upgrades to their existing networks are likely to see a jarring drop-off in speeds when they move out of LTE coverage.
Another benefit of AT&T’s network strategy is that only AT&T’s network lets your iPhone 4S download three times faster.
AT&T’s mobile broadband service currently covers 284 million people and more than 90 percent of the population, including the top 100 U.S. markets.
AT&T expects its 4G LTE deployment to be largely complete by the end of 2013.
AT&T customers can choose from a growing lineup of 4G LTE-compatible devices, including HTC Vivid, Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket, and LG Nitro HD smartphones and HTC Jetstream and Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 tablets.
Limited 4G LTE availability in select markets. 4G speeds delivered by LTE, or HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul, where available. Deployment ongoing. Compatible device and data plan required. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Learn more at att.com/network.
3X claim based on national average iPhone 4S data speeds on AT&T's network vs. other U.S. networks.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T ¦DIRECTV brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.
Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.