AT&T, in an effort to build on its 2010 record of network accomplishments, has announced network improvement plans designed to enable 4G speeds and enhanced reliability to Portland and surrounding communities in 2011. The wireless network enhancement plans are part of AT&T’s planned overall $19-billion investment in its wireless and wireline networks and other capital projects in 2011.
Enhancements Will Include
- Deploying enhanced backhaul connections to the area’s cell sites. Combined with HSPA+ technology, these backhaul deployments enable 4G speeds.
- Upgrading additional cell sites for mobile broadband.
- Adding spectrum carriers to more than 120 cell sites to support more traffic.Establishing new cell sites to improve network coverage.
- Installing distributed antenna systems in high-traffic areas and facilities to provide enhanced wireless coverage to customers in indoor or outdoor spaces where geographical limitations might otherwise prevent an optimal wireless experience.
Adam Grzybicki, president of AT&T Oregon, said AT&T invested nearly $125 million in its Portland area wireless and wireline network from 2008 through 2010 as part of its commitment to superior service in the area.A key planned upgrade for 2011 is deployment of enhanced backhaul connections to cell sites in the Portland area to enable 4G speeds. Backhaul connections carry traffic between cell sites and AT&T’s nationwide network. Enhanced fiber-optic and ethernet backhaul connections expand capacity many times over, and enable additional expansion in the years to come.
“We’re investing in our Portland area network to help AT&T customers take advantage of the numerous capabilities of their wireless devices,” Grzybicki said. “We’re committed to providing best-in-class wireless voice service to our customers, and we’re backing that up with the right investments.”
The investments made in the Portland area wireless and wireline networks are part of the $250 million AT&T invested from 2008-2010 across Oregon, Grzybicki said.
