AT&T (T) Turns on 'Real' 4G Network in Several Key Markets

AT&T (NYSE: T) is making a serious run at expanding its 4G LTE network, and making sure you know it.

Several press releases have trickled out from the Dallas, TX-based telecom giant pointing out locations where 4G is now being turned on. The new markets are as follows:

• New York City metro area;
  
• Austin;
  
• Chapel Hill;
  
• Los Angeles;
  
• Oakland;
  
• Orlando;
  
• Phoenix;
  
• Raleigh;
  
• San Diego;
  
• San Francisco; and
  
• San Jose.

Previously, AT&T has been relying on HSPA (3G) and HSPA+ (also 3G, but faster). HSPA+ is what the iPhone 4 and 4S run on, making downloads and streaming noticeably faster than on the traditional 3G network.

To be considered 4G, the network "must meet peak speed requirements at 100 Mbit/s for high mobility communication (such as from trains and cars) and 1 Gbit/s for low mobility communication (such as pedestrians and stationary users). One of the key technologies for 4G and beyond is called "Open Wireless Architecture (OWA)" supporting multiple wireless air interfaces in an open architecture platform." Thanks to Wikipedia for that definition. As can be seen, it's not like just switching out old equipment for new equipment.

AT&T had come under scrutiny in 2010 for slower data speeds and dropped calls, with much accolade moving to Verizon (Nasdaq: VZ). Peer Sprint (NYSE: S) has also said the future of its company relies on getting a 4G network with broad coverage, but it still is lacking in several markets.

This new roll-out should help AT&T to gain and retain more customers, a boon for the company and shareholders alike.

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