Slash LaneSpeaking at the 4G Executive Summit on Tuesday, AT&T's VP of Architecture Hank Kafka downplayed any perceived urgency on the part of the carrier to push out a 4G network based on LTE, or the so-called Long Term Evolution standard.
He said AT&T's existing HSPA 3G network already offers a superior mobile broadband experience to that of its primary rival Verizon, whose EV-DO technology sports a limited future.
“HSPA is more economical for carriers to deploy,†Kafka said, adding that the extendibility of the technology offers the ability for smooth transitions to new technology, such as his firm's upcoming 20Mbps HSPA+ 3G network planned for sometime next year.
The exec also cited the iPhone as a device that has only just begun to open the eyes of consumers to mobile broadband and its inherit internet capabilities.
When asked specifically about his company's 4G plans, Kafka reportedly danced around the subject, saying he couldn't provide a concrete answer because specifications for such technology aren't yet finalized.
“Future evolutions may meet 4G requirements, but for now, true 4G technologies don’t exist because the requirements haven’t been defined,†he said.
With that said, Kafka added that he’d be surprised if LTE wasn’t significantly available "within five years." In the meantime, AT&T has about two to three years of "runway left with HSPA and HSPA-plus," he told the summit.
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41 Comments
AT&T has a bit of work to do on their 3G network, let alone 4G. Folks I know that have the 3G iPhone can't even get 3G service most of the time... in Austin, TX, which should be an area that 3G service is reliable. I've got a 1G iPhone and my reception over the past couple of months has been horrible... incoming calls not registering, dropped calls, poor reception, you name it.
Considering their mammoth ad campaign about "more bars in more places", maybe AT&T should focus all their energies on making good on that claim.
Earlier this week Sprint launched the first 4G in Baltimore, and soon it will arrive in Virginia and DC. Although here in DC I'm satisfied with the availability of 3G however, it could be better. Like Larz said ATT should focus on a better user experience. I personally think 3G is fast enough (1.2 to 1.7 Mbits), it's the signal that makes it seem flaky and slow.
I've tried my friends Verizon's 3G AirCard on my PowerBook, and it felt as fast as a WiFi g network. It was quite impressive, keep in mind Verizon's 3G is actually slower than ATT's maxing out at 1.2 compared to ATT's 1.7Mbits.
My conclusion is ATT must focus on user experience and widening their Network, adding towers and strengthening signals.
AT&T has a bit of work to do on their 3G network, let alone 4G. Folks I know that have the 3G iPhone can't even get 3G service most of the time... in Austin, TX, which should be an area that 3G service is reliable. I've got a 1G iPhone and my reception over the past couple of months has been horrible... incoming calls not registering, dropped calls, poor reception, you name it.
Considering their mammoth ad campaign about "more bars in more places", maybe AT&T should focus all their energies on making good on that claim.
Agreed. AT&T is pathetic.
I'm not surprised. The cost of LTE is great and with the economy taking a turn for the worse here recently it makes sense for ATT to hold onto their cash.
This could be a great benefit for Sprint/Clearwire. They may be able to get their WiMax network entrenched with users before Verizon and ATT are able to roll out their LTE networks. I look forward to reviews of mobile WiMax in the Baltimore area. I hope it lives up to its hype.
If Apple were smart they would develop an iPhone that works on the WiMax network.
The economy will surely put the kibosh on most upgrade plans, and although I personally would like WiMax to roll out quicker to take advantage of these delays, I just haven't been seeing the kind of leadership needed to do this by Clearwire or the group they are allied with.
In other news AAPL looks like it might drop below the psychological barrier of $100 today. OMG things are not looking good. I am totally opposed to this bail-out and I'm certain it will destroy our economy, or plunge us into a decade-long depression if it goes through. For the sake of our country, PLEASE contact your Congressional representatives to voice your opposition.