AT&T’s 3G Will be Making the switch to 850Mhz (this means faster 3G)

I heard this a while back but did not get around to writing about it.  AT&T as we all know doesn’t have the best running 3G.  They are running it on the 1900Mhz frequency band which is not as reliable as the 850Mhz.  The 850Mhz band has a more reliable backbone and a wider range.  This will better support AT&T’s growing 3G following.  The bad thing about the switch is that AT&T’s 2G (EDGE) customers will suffer with the 1900Mhz band.  AT&T will have a few test markets for the 850Mhz 3G up by the end of 2009, which will be San Francisco and New York at least.  The whole transfer is projected to be finished by the end of 2010ish.

I think that this is a wise move for AT&T because they are planning on phasing out their 2G network within the next 7-10 years as will all carriers around this time.  So, if they are going to be rid of 2G within the next decade, then why not promote a faster 3G to get people off EDGE?  It makes sense doesn’t it?

via Engadget and IntoMobile