14 DAY TRIAL // Wireless carrier AT&T announced on Wednesday that it had brought a series of new enhancements to its 3G wireless network in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The improvements include the launch of additional spectrum in the 850 MHz band, which is expected to offer users better coverage in the area, especially indoors.
According to the mobile phone operator, the enhancements it has brought to its 3G network in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 2008 through the second quarter of 2009 have totaled more than $50 million in upgrades. Thus, the company added more network capacity to the area, so as to better support the growing demand for 3G mobile broadband services. Around 1,000 cell towers have been updated in the move, AT&T added.
“More than ever before, customers look to wireless communications to stay in touch with family, friends and business colleagues,” said Adam Vital, AT&T vice president and general manager for North Texas. “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, or surf the Internet on their AT&T device.”
The newly launched 850 MHz spectrum is aimed mainly at offering better in-building coverage, though improvements in connectivity should be experienced by all users in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including Allen, Arlington, Carrollton, Colleyville, Dallas, Denton, Fort Worth, Frisco, Garland, Grapevine, Grand Prairie, Irving, Keller, Mesquite, McKinney, Lewisville, Plano, Richardson, Rockwall, Southlake and more.
“This kind of private sector investment in wireless connectivity helps spur innovation and creativity. I am very proud that over the years the Texas Legislature has set the pace for the entire nation in encouraging more investment in expanding access to technology for consumers and businesses,” said State Representative Burt Solomons, Chair of the Texas House State Affairs Committee. Don Cain, president of AT&T Texas, added, “We invest in Texas because our state leaders – through some of the most progressive public policy initiatives in the nation – have created an environment that encourages companies to do business here.”