AT&T is taking steps to prepare its US 3G network for the launch of the new iPhone models, expected in June this year.
AT&T is waiting – like everyone else – for Apple to launch the new iPhone(s). Unlike the rest of us, howvever, it is a fair bet that AT&T already know the time, date and specs of the new devices, as well as just how much demand they will probably place on their 3G network.
In a move that is part publicity stunt, part preparedness, AT&T is publically upgrading its 3G backbone to cope with the influx of new always-on internet access points and the expected tsunami of app downloads once the new iPhones hit the street in the US.
One rumour doing the rounds about the iPhone upgrade is that the handset will support HSDPA data speeds of 7.2 Mbps. By amazing coincidence, AT&T has announced that its US 3G network will be upgraded to support speeds of up to… 7.2 Mbps. The network currently does up to 3.6Mbps, so in theory this will double the connection speed, although the expected uptake of new users may mop up a lot of the speed gains.
