AT&T Boosts 3G Capacity in Key West, Florida Keys

AT&T* announced it has increased capacity on its 3G mobile broadband network in Key West and the Florida Keys. As a result of the network upgrades, local wireless customers are expected to experience improved voice and data connectivity and performance, especially during peak hours.

The network enhancement involved adding second and third layers of capacity, or “2nd and 3rd carriers,” to 15 cell sites in Monroe County. The additional capacity is in support of the ever-growing demand for mobile broadband services. In addition to the capacity added throughout the Keys, AT&T plans to add second, third and fourth layers of capacity to hundreds of cell sites in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties before the end of year.

“We’re always looking for new opportunities to provide better coverage for our local customers,” said Rich Guidotti, vice president and general manager, AT&T Mobility & Consumer Markets for South Florida. “We want them to have an extraordinary experience whenever, wherever and however they use their AT&T device. Our investment in the Keys network is one way we’re accomplishing that goal.”

Wireless data traffic on the AT&T network has grown more than 5,000 percent over the past three years, largely attributed to the increasing popularity of advanced smartphones and the performance of AT&T’s 3G network – the fastest in Miami and the nation, according to independent testing.

AT&T recently completed a software upgrade at 3G cell sites nationwide that prepares the nation’s fastest 3G network for even faster speeds. The deployment of High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2 technology is the first of multiple initiatives in AT&T’s network enhancement strategy designed to provide customers with an enhanced mobile broadband experience, both today and well into the future. Faster 3G speeds are scheduled to become available this year and in 2011 on a market by market basis as AT&T combines the new technology with the increased deployment of high-speed backhaul connections to cell sites, primarily with fiber-optic technology.

For more information about AT&T’s 3G coverage in Monroe County, or anywhere in the United States, consumers can visit http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer. The online tool can measure the quality of coverage based on a street address, intersection, ZIP code or even a landmark.

For updates on the AT&T wireless network, please visit www.att.com/networknews.