4G LTE Network by AT&T in 2012

4G LTE Network by AT&T in 2012. AT&T has picked Long Term Evolution (LTE) for its fourth generation system upgrades. AT&T, the top wireless telco in the United States and T-Mobile, are backers of the GSM standard so the move to LTE isn’t too surprising. But it does mean that any “4G” upgrades (beyond HSPA) are likely to be at least 2-3 years off and require new handsets and basestations. AT&T's LTE network isn't expected until 2012.

The complementary nature of the spectrum AT&T acquired through the FCC auction and from Aloha Partners gives AT&T the capacity to meet customer needs as the company moves to higher-speed 4G (fourth-generation) services. Upon final award of the auctioned B Block spectrum, AT&T's 700 MHz spectrum will cover 100 percent of the top 200 markets and 87 percent of the U.S. population, enabling the company to better compete in a vibrant and dynamic marketplace.

"Results of the auction bidding demonstrate the B Block was the most attractive, most valuable spectrum available, and it was the best investment for AT&T and our customers," said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO of AT&T's wireless unit.

"From the beginning, our wireless network has been designed for customer choice and with the future in mind," said de la Vega. "Our applications program includes thousands of developers who are creating innovative applications for AT&T's wireless devices today. And looking even further into the future, our existing technologies are ideal for a smooth transition to next-generation platforms."