AT&T has announced a new PC card, the Sierra Wireless AirCard 881 LaptopConnect card, to go with its newly deployed 3G wireless network. AT&T has said it is currently rolling out an HSUPA network, with availability to be announced in select markets later this fall.
"As our customers use our wireless network to access the incredible variety of information, entertainment and other services now available to them, the need for continuously improved data speeds is critically important," Michael Woodward, AT&T vice president of wireless products, said in a statement.
The AirCard 881 will support the faster HSUPA speeds, as well as AT&T's already deployed HSDPA network. Once AT&T completes its network upgrade, AirCard 881 users can expect upload speeds between 500 kbps and 800 kbps and download speeds ranging from 600 kbps to 1,400 kbps.
"With the Air Card 881, our data customers will experience significantly improved download speeds today and will be able to take full advantage of faster upload speeds as HSUPA is deployed in the AT&T network," continued Woodward.
The AirCard 881 also offers tri-band 3G connectivity for use with mobile broadband networks worldwide; it is also compatible with all four EDGE/GPRS frequency bands used worldwide.
The Sierra Wireless AirCard 881 will be available for purchase across AT&T sales channels starting today. It will be available at no cost, after rebates, through Nov. 3 with a new 2-year DataConnect contract of $59.99 a month or higher.
According to AT&T, its deployment of HSUPA will complete the carrier's 3G transition to HSPA standards. HSDPA technology is already deployed across the company's 3G footprint, which includes more than 200 U.S. metropolitan areas. HSUPA will be added throughout the network in the remainder of 2007 and early 2008.