There’s been a lot of publicity around 3G in recent days. Third generation technology or 3G provides accelerated data speeds and simultaneous voice and data capabilities for an amazing wireless voice and data experience. Some of the benefits you get with AT&T’s 3G coverage:
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Access Cellular Video for faster on-demand viewing of high quality video clips from your favorite TV shows, news, sport and weather
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Surf the wireless Internet faster and significantly lower your wait for page loads
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Download files and access email faster from favorite providers like Yahoo!, MSN, and AOL.
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Multi-task while you are on a call—search for movies times, look up directions, or send messages.
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Get more done on the go with faster access to email and internet with AT&T LaptopConnect
AT&T has the nation’s fastest 3G network. This network currently covers 233 million people and is growing every day.
There are multiple levels of data service available on AT&T’s wireless network:
GPRS
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is the first level of data service. Data is compressed into small packets and sent in short bursts. With average speeds of about 35 kbps, GPRS allows nationwide text and email service and basic WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) Internet browsing. GPRS is the service of choice for many text messaging PDAs, including Blackberry, Treo, and others.
EDGE
EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution) is a third-generation, high-speed, mobile data and Internet access technology. The AT&T EDGE network is available in more than 13,000 cities and towns and in areas along 40,000 miles of highways. With typical speeds of 75 to 135 kbps, it’s fast enough to support advanced mobile services like video and music clips, full picture & video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and email on the move. EDGE is especially important to business users as it permits mobile access to corporate applications at speeds far in excess of dialup.
UMTS
UMTS (Universal Mobile Telephone Service) is the next level of service. It is the leading 3G technology choice today, offering potential worldwide coverage. Typical speeds of 220 to 320 kbps permit workgroup collaboration, vertical-specific devices (an x-ray viewer, for example), video and music on-demand, digital TV and radio, and services such as home or business security video monitoring.
HSDPA
Enhancement of UMTS with HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) moves GSM into the range of true broadband service. With typical speeds in the range of 400 to 700 kbps, and a burst mode of up to several megabits per second, it is the fastest available cellular broadband technology. This brings a mobile data experience that is essentially the same experience of a wired network in the home or office.
Additionally, unlike other wireless technologies, UMTS and HSDPA offer you the ability to make simultaneous voice and data calls. This flexibility lets you use the same phone to speak with someone while also accessing Internet information.
