AT&T doubling peak wireless data speed in Chicago

Wireless operator AT&T said Wednesday it is rolling out higher-speed networks in Chicago and five other cities by year-end, effectively doubling speeds for iPhone 3GS users.

The new technology is called High Speed Packet Access 7.2, or HSPA, and allows a theoretical peak download speed of 7.2 megabits per second, compared with the current network's 3.6 megabits per second. Speeds will be slower in practice and vary according to factors such as location and device.

Wednesday's announcement "is a piece of our larger plan of continually reinvesting and improving our network experience," said Kevin Petersen, vice president and general manager for AT&T Mobility and consumer markets in Illinois.

Apple's iPhone 3GS is the only phone equipped to handle the higher speeds so far, but AT&T said it will have six compatible smartphones and two laptop cards available for consumers by year-end. Smartphones are more sophisticated mobile devices that are designed for data-intensive activities such as e-mail and Web browsing.

Read the full Chicago Tribune article -here-

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