Plans more upgrades in the future

Dec 17, 2009 20:31 GMT  ·  By

Mobile phone carrier AT&T announced on Wednesday that it had just fired up its third generation (3G) mobile broadband network in Vermont. According to the company, the launch of its new 3G network in the area is set to deliver new opportunities for its customers, who can now enjoy better mobile services, as well as access to feature-rich audio and video content.

“Vermonters are keenly aware of the value and importance of having access to high speed voice and data networks within the state and the news of AT&T's introduction of 3G capabilities to their network is welcome, indeed,” said Thomas E. Murray, executive director of the Vermont Telecommunications Authority. “The VTA values the investments of partners like AT&T in Vermont as the VTA works toward fulfilling its mission to make broadband and wireless coverage available across the state.”

The wireless carrier also announced that the new roll out was part of its network upgrade plan, and that the network would be deployed in Bennington, Brattleboro, Brownsville, Killington, Vernon, Warren, West Dover and White River Junction during this week. Moreover, the company also aims at firing it up in Burlington, Colchester, Essex Junction, Fayston, Hartford, Jamaica, Jeffersonville, Middlebury, Rutland, South Burlington, St. Albans, Stowe, Waitsfield, West Rutland, West Townshend, West Wardsboro, Williston and Winooski, all before the end of the ongoing year.

The new 3G expansion is only part of AT&T's attempts to upgrade the network in Vermont, the company revealed. During the first quarter of the next year, it also aims at making 3G expansions in Barre, Montpelier and Northfield. At the same time, the carrier notes that it has “integrated all legacy Unicel cell sites in Vermont into AT&T’s existing nationwide network,” and that it has also deployed a wide range of new cell sites across the state.

“It has been an exciting first year for us in Vermont and we are thrilled to bring 3G to the state,” said Steve Krom, vice president and general manager, AT&T New England. “We know that demand for wireless bandwidth is growing, whether it’s for sharing video and photos with friends, watching a movie, checking the latest scores, or listening to music on a phone, netbook or other mobile devices on the go.”