AT&T “True” 4G LTE Network Launched

AT&T has stepped up its 4G network in 5 markets with its new, faster 4G LTE network.

Running at several times the speed of the standard AT&T 4G HSPA+ network, the new network launched with 5 coverage areas: Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. The carrier has promised a further 10 markets will be up and running by the end of the year making a total of 15 LTE coverage areas for the carrier. In terms of phone users, that makes a total of around 70 million by the end of 2011.

Because 4G LTE is a different technology from 4G HSPA+ new phone and devices are needed to access it. While AT&T have released a number of modems and mobile hotspots that work with the new network (like the Momentum 4G, Elevate 4G mobile hotspot, and USBConnect Adrenaline) they have yet to release an LTE-based phone. That means that while current range of phones like the Inspire, Infuse and Atrix will continue to work in the new coverage areas they won’t be able to access the new higher speed network.

Standby for customer confusion.

With the LTE launch AT&T are now starting to use the same 4G technology as Verizon – who launched their network in December 2010 – and which now covers more than half the population in over 140 markets, with plans to have 175 coverage areas in place by the end of 2011. In contrast to AT&T, all Verizon 4G phones run high-speed LTE.