AT&T anounces impoved NYC netowrk coverage.

[jav6454]

Details here:

AT&T Expands Wireless Capacity for 3G Mobile Broadband Network in Manhattan and Throughout NYC
Additional Spectrum Allocated for 3G Voice and Data Applications
NEW YORK, June 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — AT&T* today announced the completion of a local initiative to increase the wireless capacity of its third generation (3G) mobile broadband network in Manhattan as well as the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens. As a result of this upgrade, customers in these areas are expected to experience improved 3G wireless voice and data connectivity and performance, especially during peak hours.
The network enhancement includes the addition of new layers of frequency, also known as "carriers," to more efficiently manage available spectrum and increase 3G capacity. The additions have been applied to nearly all cell sites in Manhattan and in other areas as needed throughout the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn. The result is an increased allocation of network resources for AT&T's 3G network to support ever-growing demand for mobile broadband services.
"Our goal is pretty simple: in the city that never sleeps, we're working 24/7 to make sure our customers have a great experience every time they make a call, check e-mail, download a song or video, or surf the Internet on their AT&T device," said Tom DeVito, vice president and general manager for AT&T in NY and NJ. "Adding more capacity to cell sites is just one way we are doing that."
AT&T recently deployed a WiFi hot zone in Times Square to help AT&T customers stay connected in "America's Crossroads," one of the busiest locations in the world.
Wireless data traffic on the AT&T network has grown more than 5,000 percent from 2007 to 2009, largely attributed to the increasing popularity of advanced smartphones and the performance of AT&T's 3G network, the nation's fastest. Our network teams are enhancing network capacity, capabilities and performance to keep up with unprecedented demand for mobile services.
In New York City, we've added a layer of high-performing 850 MHz spectrum to deploy more radio capacity and enhance in-building coverage throughout the city. As of the first quarter of 2010, we've seen two consecutive quarters of strong voice quality improvements in New York according to internal measurements. In Manhattan, quality improved 47 percent quarter over quarter.
Additionally, as of the first quarter of 2010 our national 3G average data download speeds are up 25 percent versus a year ago based on internal data.
Earlier this year, AT&T completed a software upgrade at 3G cell sites nationwide that prepares the nation's fastest 3G network for even faster speeds. The deployment of High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2 technology is the first of multiple initiatives in AT&T's network enhancement strategy designed to provide customers with an enhanced mobile broadband experience, both today and well into the future. Faster 3G speeds are scheduled to become available this year and in 2011 on a market by market basis as AT&T combines the new technology with the increased deployment of high-speed backhaul connections to cell sites, primarily with fiber-optic technology. Late this year, we plan to upgrade our network to HSPA+, the latest generation of our 3G platform.
AT&T's 3G mobile broadband network is based on the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) family of technologies that includes GSM and UMTS, the most widely used wireless network platforms in the world. AT&T has the best international coverage of any U.S. wireless provider, delivering voice service in over 220 countries and data service in more than 195 countries. AT&T also offers voice and data roaming coverage on 130 major cruise ships, as well as 3G services in 115 countries.

Now, can anyone confirm assestments?

 

[MadDog31]

I live in the Bronx and work at Yankee Stadium. With a six-game home series set to begin tomorrow, I'll report my findings during ballgames.

I arrived in the Bronx in April, so I really can't compare to last year, but will do my best to see how it operates over here during a game. Typically I've had to switch to EDGE in order to send texts out and get any sort of data downloaded. Although now that I think about it, I forgot to switch back to EDGE during the last homestand and texts were going through. Hmmmm...possible improvement I suppose but I'll check more this week and report back.

As for everywhere else, I seem to get a clear connection and the up and down speeds are really nice. I haven't experienced the reception issues people have been speaking of, so maybe I'm a lucky one.

Regardless, I'm fine so far. Breathe Ian, breathe.

Ian

 

[jav6454]

So far, many people are reporting significant improvements in call quality aswell as even faster speeds.

 

[paulyras]

I live in the Bronx and work at Yankee Stadium.

Sold your soul, eh? Sorry. Sox fan...

 

[Pattycerts]

I live in NYC (queens), and as you can see its been a while since I tested, but since I got the iphone 4 I have had SICK speeds, specifically upload.

Not sure if its the network or the phone, but these upload speeds are so high I am really thinking that FaceTime will be used over 3G in the very near future, perhaps in 4.1

 

[jav6454]

I live in NYC (queens), and as you can see its been a while since I tested, but since I got the iphone 4 I have had SICK speeds, specifically upload.

... snip ...


Not sure if its the network or the phone, but these upload speeds are so high I am really thinking that FaceTime will be used over 3G in the very near future, perhaps in 4.1

Those are fast speeds.

 

[jkozlow3]

Not a NYC resident, but I was there for a week in early June and I dropped almost every single call that lasted more than a few minutes. This happened in several areas of Manhattan with my iPhone 3G.

So either their improvements were completed very recently or AT&T still has a lot of work to do in NYC.

 

[jw nyc]

I've noticed a significant improvement in at&t's coverage in NYC over the past few months. I haven't dropped a call in the city over the last two weeks (that's saying a lot!).

 

[mets1125]

For the past 2 years we have been hearing they are improving their network, yet the dead zones are the same on the Grand Central Parkway, Cross Island Parkway, BQE, Belt, and Van wick, and a spot a few blocks from my house. I would like to know about the stadiums because at Citifield service is non existant as every one is hogging up the network. Been to NYS once and it was the same there. I will believe it when service is really improved not dropping calls on major highways all the time.

 

[anjinha]

I live in the Bronx and work at Yankee Stadium. With a six-game home series set to begin tomorrow, I'll report my findings during ballgames.

I arrived in the Bronx in April, so I really can't compare to last year, but will do my best to see how it operates over here during a game. Typically I've had to switch to EDGE in order to send texts out and get any sort of data downloaded. Although now that I think about it, I forgot to switch back to EDGE during the last homestand and texts were going through. Hmmmm...possible improvement I suppose but I'll check more this week and report back.

As for everywhere else, I seem to get a clear connection and the up and down speeds are really nice. I haven't experienced the reception issues people have been speaking of, so maybe I'm a lucky one.

Regardless, I'm fine so far. Breathe Ian, breathe.

Ian

A game would not be the best situation to test the network, those are always extreme situations were it's common for networks, even great networks, to get congested from too many people in one space using them at once.

 

[Steviejobz]

This is great news. I have mentioned this before but I am getting service in areas already where I NEVER got good AT&T coverage. My office especially.

 

[Pjstock42]

my data service over the weekend in queens was really spotty, but is super fast today. now it makes sense though, im guessing the network was undergoing updates over the weekend.

 

[mbhforum]

Just switched from Verizon to AT&T and the service is horrendous. I live in Long Island, work in Manhattan and I experience constant dropped calls. Today in my office, I dropped a 2 min call and I have good reception here.

 

[jav6454]

Just switched from Verizon to AT&T and the service is horrendous. I live in Long Island, work in Manhattan and I experience constant dropped calls. Today in my office, I dropped a 2 min call and I have good reception here.

We are not discussing this right now, we are discussing if those affected previosuly have noticed any difference between then and now.

 

[MadDog31]

Well for what it's worth, the other day at Yankee Stadium I left 3G on instead of dropping down to EDGE like I usually do and I was able to get texts sent out. I've always been able to receive them but sending was another issue.

I had one text not go through, but the rest went through fine, and that was with 46,000 asses in the seats. I know it's not a great test, but it's progress at least on that front.