AT&T/T-Mobile: Better Coverage Expected In NY And SF, But Could Be Years Away
March 21, 2011
AT&T’s acquisition of T-Mobile should provide one benefit, at least in the long-term: improved network coverage for users in New York City and San Francisco. This news comes from AT&T exec John Stankey, who spoke with investors, regulators, and the media soon after the purchase announcement.
According to Gizmodo, Stankey indicated one of the first benefits of the acquisition would be to “dual-band sites in major urban areas so that customers from both carriers can benefit.”
However, before AT&T customers in NYC and SF rejoice, know that Stankey doesn’t believe these improvements will happen overnight. In fact, “everyone will see the benefits within two years of close.”
For all its advantages, AT&T coverage in large metropolitan areas such as NYC and SF hasn’t exactly been terrific, as anyone living in one of those areas can confirm. While this news is certainly encouraging, the time frame is not.
AT&T’s takeover plan of T-Mobile could take at least a year to gain FCC approval. Therefore, it could be years before network improvements are recognized.
