AT&T adds cell tower, unveils 4G

DOWNEY - AT&T is making major network upgrades in Downey, the telecommunications company has announced.Tucked away behind See's Candies atop a two-story commercial building on Paramount Boulevard is a high-capacity cell site that is bringing faster speeds, increased reliability and wireless service to Downey residents, officials said. The cell site in Downey is one of many that have been upgraded with additional capacity this year and part of AT&T's $450 million investment in network improvements throughout Los Angeles. Officials said the upgrades will give Downey residents more ability to handle a growing volume of calls, video, Internet and other data. AT&T has also deployed 4G to its mobile broadband network in Downey. When combined with enhanced ethernet connectivity between the cell site and the wireless switch center later this year, the deployment will enable 4G wireless data speeds of up to four times faster than ordinary mobile broadband. Wireless 4G will be especially useful for customers and businesses who use the Internet or data-heavy applications on tablets, mobile devices or smartphones. "We are investing in our Downey network to help AT&T customers conduct business faster and more efficiently as well as to take advantage of the numerous capabilities of their smartphones and tablets," said Angela Gibson, director of AT&T External Affairs. "We are committed to providing our customers excellent service to meet their daily needs, and we are backing that up with the right network enhancements." According to Gibson, wireless traffic has surged 8,000 percent in the last four years.

********** Published: August 04, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 16