Cingular Wireless, now the new AT&T, spent more than $175 million in South Carolina in 2006, improving and expanding service. The local investment was part of a nationwide $6 billion network investment program during 2006 by the nation's largest wireless carrier.
During 2006, AT&T's wireless unit added high-speed 3G (third generation) service in Columbia, including the airport and college campuses, built several new cell sites; and added generators, enhancing service throughout the state.
"2006 has proven to be an unprecedented year for Cingular in the Carolinas," said Alison Hall, vice president and general manager for Cingular's North and South Carolina markets. "But we're not resting on our laurels. Our network team continues to enhance coverage, decrease the number of dropped calls and increase call clarity for our South Carolina customers. Our efforts there and the launch of the 3G network are an exceptional achievement that positions us for the future."
AT&T's wireless unit has spent more than $13.5 billion nationally during the last two years in an aggressive program to upgrade and expand wireless service and now gives customers access to some 45,000 cell sites. As a result, the ALLOVER network - the largest digital voice and data network in the United States - has grown bigger, better and more powerful in South Carolina.
Hall added, "In 2007, we will continue our momentum and focus on delivering our customers a strong network and positive in-store experience."
Cingular's 3G service is based on High-Speed Data Packet Access (HSDPA) technology. The wireless unit's 3G network is the first widely available service in the world to use HSDPA. With Cingular's 3G service, customers can now more quickly access e-mail, browse the Internet, connect to business applications, or watch video clips while on-the-go. The 3G network allows customers to download at average data speeds between 400-700 Kbps (kilobits per second) on the downlink, with bursts to more than a megabit per second. Nationwide, the AT&T wireless unit's 3G service is available in more than 160 major metropolitan areas, including 70 of the top 100 largest cities in 33 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. - AT&T.
Posted January 22nd, 2007 by Nymphadora
