AT&T launches third-generation broadband network in OKC

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), Dec 14, 2007 by Kelley Chambers

AT&T recently launched its third-generation broadband network in Oklahoma City after bringing the service to Tulsa late last year.

Oklahoma City is one of the last of AT&T's top 100 markets to receive the service, which will cover the metro and surrounding communities including Norman, Yukon, Mustang and Midwest City.

The service, launched in late November, will also enable users with 3G-equipped devices to transmit live video and voice over certain mobile phones and access information and video content on phones and laptops.

Speed, clarity and several media options from video to satellite radio are available to users through the 3G network and the company's MEdia Net service.

"It's like DSL without wires," said Larry Evans, AT&T vice president and general manager for the Oklahoma and Arkansas markets.

The launch required an upgrade to the company's infrastructure to run the 3G and 2G networks simultaneously. The 2G network was launched about two years ago.

Evans said upgrades had to be made to each of AT&T's cell phone sites in the coverage area.

"It's like putting up a brand-new network," he said.

Tulsa received the service before Oklahoma City because it had the broadband spectrum available to handle the 3G network. The service was first launched in Atlanta in June 2006 and Tulsa was one of the first 10 markets to receive the upgrade.

Additional broadband spectrum had to be purchased for the Oklahoma City launch. The later launch, however, allowed the company to estimate the amount of spectrum it would need and present a system where many of the bugs had already been worked out.

"We've learned in other markets that we didn't size it big enough," Evans said. "When we launched in Oklahoma City we made sure we were overbuilt because what we didn't want to happen is for all of the 3G guys to fire up and overload the network."

The 3G also enables Oklahoma City users with 3G service and compatible devices to use the Video Share program to transmit live voice and video over handheld phones.

Lora Lee Laird, director of sales for AT&T Oklahoma, said both parties participating in the Video Share must have 3G phones and a 3G SIM card for the service to work.

Pricing for Video Share starts at 35 cents per minute and several plans offer allotted minutes at set rates and only the sending party pays the fee.

Cox Communications, which provides high-speed Internet and phone service, also has a stake in winning customers across the state and nationwide for its services.

"We realize that wireless plays an important role for most consumers," said Christine Martin, Cox Oklahoma spokeswoman. "Cox will continue to actively look for more ways to meet this need and provide technology that enhances our already state-of-the-art products and services."

Next year AT&T plans to expand the 3G service to Bartlesville, Shawnee and Lawton. Currently, if a 3G customer leaves the service area they are seamlessly transferred to the existing 2G network.