AT&T's 3G network in the San Francisco Bay Area has been greatly improved during the past few quarters, the wireless carrier announced, through investments that totaled more than $65 million, from 2008 to Q3 2009. According to the operator, the new enhancements brought to its network in the area include the addition of spectrum in the 850 MHz band, which should result in better indoor coverage, as well as in increased network capacity.

According to AT&T, the new enhancements included the upgrading of a number of around 850 cell sites in the San Francisco Bay Area, most of which have been performed during the third quarter of this year. The company also added that it would continue to work on the improvement of its 3G network, so that more smartphone users would have the opportunity to enjoy better connectivity on its airwaves.

“More than ever before, customers look to wireless communications to stay in touch with family, friends and business colleagues,” said Terry Stenzel, AT&T vice president and general manager for Northern California/Reno. “The additional spectrum helps to enhance the 3G network so that our customers have the best experience when they make a call, check an e-mail, download a video or song, access applications or surf the Internet on their AT&T device.”

The addition of the new high-quality 850 MHz spectrum to AT&T's 3G network is expected to boast the in-building coverage in the area, the carrier added. Moreover, the company also operated an increase of its network capacity, which is expected to enable it meet the growing demand for mobile connectivity. According to AT&T, its network in the San Francisco area has seen a 2000 percent increase in 3G data traffic since 2008.

The new improvements should deliver better connectivity to AT&T customers located in San Francisco, Brisbane, Daly City, Colma, South San Francisco, Pacifica, Sausalito, Tiburon, Mill Valley, Corte Madera, San Rafael, San Anselmo, Oakland, Emeryville, Berkeley, Alameda, Piedmont, Hayward, San Leandro, San Mateo, Burlingame, Millbrae, Hillsborough, Palo Alto, San Carlos, Belmont, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Richmond, Albany, El Sobrante, El Cerritos, Pinole, Crockett, Hercules, and more, the carrier added.