[Editor's Note: Bay Area residents recently got the news that AT&T has unveiled its new 4G LTE network. AT&T describes the network as faster and more efficient than what was previously available. As the San Francisco Chronicle notes, however, at this time iPhones are not compatible with it. AT&T Vice President & General Manager Terry Stenzel shared the following information with Albany Patch, via a company spokesman, after AT&T got wind of about cell phone service. Let us know, in the comments, if you've noticed any changes with your cell coverage since the 4G LTE network launched Jan. 5. Have questions for AT&T? Share them here and we'll do our best to get answers for you.]
What is LTE?
LTE is a 4G wireless technology, and it stands for Long Term Evolution. It’s the fastest and most advanced mobile broadband technology available, and it’s now available in San Francisco. 4G LTE provides faster data speeds and a better overall wireless experience for consumers and businesses. You’ll be able to stream, download, upload and game faster than ever before, and LTE helps to improve services like mobile gaming, two-way video calling and telemedicine.
How did we get LTE in the Bay Area
This is a good development for the Bay Area but it has been an evolution and it will continue as our rollout expands and as technology and the way you use it changes. We’ve made several upgrades to our network in recent years to provide our customers with fast speeds before, during and after our LTE deployment. In addition, AT&T added capacity to more than 1,000 cell sites across the Greater Bay Area in 2011. That investment has helped us get here today. Our plan is to continue that investment in California and across the country, so that AT&T customers can stay on technology’s cutting edge.
What if I go into an area that doesn’t have LTE? Are there plans to expand?
We currently offer LTE in 26 markets, and we aren’t stopping there. The great thing about our network is that before we deployed LTE, we made several upgrades to our mobile broadband network to deliver faster mobile data and 4G speeds. What that means for AT&T customers is that when you leave a 4G LTE area, you still have access to consistently fast speeds from your compatible device. You shouldn’t experience a jarring drop in speed when you’re outside of an LTE area, as you might on another provider’s network where that important step has been skipped. That’s a real difference between our network and the networks of our competitors.
Where can I get more information?
You can always find more information on our website, www.att.com/network, and I would also recommend visiting the AT&T store and representative in your community. They’ll be able to answer any questions and show you our new 4G LTE smartphones and devices.
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