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AT&T details 3G plans

By Theo Boshoff
Johannesburg, 11 Sept 2009

AT&T details 3G plans

AT&T spelled out its plans for improvements to its mobile data network and the wireless carrier will roll out networks based on HSPA 7.2 technology in six major markets by the end of the year, reports InformationWeek.

The second-largest US carrier said Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, and Miami will receive this upgrade before 2010. The mobile operator will also be deploying additional backhaul capacity to the cell towers in these markets.

AT&T plans to deploy HSPA 7.2 to about 90% of its 3G footprint by the end of 2011 and then plans to roll out 4G networks based on long-term evolution technology (LTE).

Deutsche Telekom struggles in US

Deutsche Telekom's T-Mobile US faces intense competitive pressure from both the high and low ends of the cellphone market, making it a logical merger-and-acquisition target, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Technological differences, a shifting subscriber base and the lack of interested partners, however, make it difficult for Deutsche Telekom to strike a deal.

"I don't know if a merger is in the cards," says Terry Norman, an analyst at UK-based research firm Analysys Mason.

Mobile VOIP hits Canada

Skype gave Canadian wireless users one less reason to keep traditional land lines and one more to hop online with their mobile devices by introducing a free VOIP application for iPhone subscribers, states Financial Post.

Using the Internet to make a phone call is nothing new in Canada, but placing a call over the Web through one's mobile phone is.

Some observers say it poses a disruptive threat to the cellphone industry.

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