AT&T Mobility(T) announced a slew of markets where it plans to expand its LTE coverage by the end of the year, with nine new markets launched this week. The LTE expansion news comes just ahead of next week’s expected unveiling of an LTE-equipped iPhone from Apple.
AT&T Mobility uses two technologies to deliver what it considers “4G” service: HSPA+ and LTE. Most of the nearly 50 markets involved already have high-speed network coverage with HSPA+, but now the carrier is adding LTE for additional network speed and efficiency.
According to Macquarie Equities Research the next iPhone model, which is expected to hit the market by the end of the month, may be another game changer for the wireless ecosystem.
Macquarie said in a research note that “not only does LTE improve the user experience for video, but it has major cost benefits for the carriers.” The firm went on to note that new family sharing plans at Verizon Wireless and AT&T Mobility could increase smartphone upgrades and drive increased smartphone penetration into families.
AT&T Mobility is promoting its HSPA+ network as a faster fallback outside LTE coverage areas than CDMA-based 3G networks.
