AT&T has announced network improvement plans designed to enable 4G speeds and enhanced reliability to Seattle and surrounding communities in 2011. The wireless network enhancement plans are part of AT&T’s planned $19-billion investment in its wireless and wireline networks and other capital projects in 2011.
Dan Youmans, president of AT&T Washington, says AT&T plans the following network improvements in the Seattle area in 2011:
- Deploying enhanced backhaul connections to two-thirds of the area’s cell sites.
- Combined with HSPA+ technology, these backhaul deployments will enable 4G speeds for local customers.
- Delivering additional wireless capacity to more than 400 cell sites in the area through the addition of new layers of frequency, also known as “carriers.” Adding extra capacity to a cell site is like widening a highway – you’re creating more lanes to accommodate increasing traffic.
- Installing new cell sites to improve network coverage.
- Installing distributed antenna systems in high-traffic areas and facilities, such as office buildings and sporting and event venues, to provide enhanced wireless coverage to customers in indoor or outdoor spaces where geographical limitations might otherwise prevent an optimal wireless experience.
Youmans said AT&T invested more than $200 million in its Seattle area wireless and wireline network from 2008 through 2010 as part of its commitment to superior service in the area.
This year’s plans build upon the improvements AT&T completed in 2010 to strengthen its Seattle area mobile broadband network, including the installation of four new cell sites, increasing wireless capacity by at least an additional 50 percent on more than 170 cell sites and the installation of distributed antenna systems in several targeted venues to handle increased traffic.
