AT&T Announces Rollout Plans For Faster HSPA 7.2 Standard

AT&T has just announced its plans to rollout the much speedier HSPA 7.2 in six major cities before the end of this year.  The cities include Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, and Miami.  The idea is to have HSPA 7.2 available in 90 percent of AT&T's existing 3G network area by the end of 2011.

AT&T plans to begin deployment of HSPA 7.2 in six major U.S. cities, including Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles and Miami, with initial service availability expected in these markets by the end of the year. All told, the company plans to deploy HSPA 7.2 in 25 of the nation’s 30 largest markets by the end of 2010, and to reach about 90 percent of its existing 3G network footprint with HSPA 7.2 by the end of 2011.

As HSPA 7.2 rolls out in each market, it will be supported by additional wireless backhaul.  These new connections will not only support HSPA 7.2, but also 4G LTE, which AT&T will begin rolling out in 2011.  So you could consider HSPA 7.2 a stopgap until then. Current 3G speeds top out at a theoretical 3.6 Mpbs, and the new HSPA 7.2 obvious doubles that theoretical speed.  Speeds vary based on a number of factors, including location, the device you are using, and overall network traffic in your area.  For those of you wondering, the iPhone 3GS does support HSPA 7.2, but only the faster download speeds.  The faster upload speeds associated with the new standard are not supported.

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