Cingular Announces 3G Data Network

Cingular Wireless has launched its 3G network, offering high-speed service to 16 major metropolitan areas. Laptops can jump on in December, with handsets available in January.

Cingular Wireless has announced its high-speed 3G wireless network offering high-speed data communications for mobile users in 16 metropolitan areas with rapid expansion expected throughout 2006.

Cingular’s network uses HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) technology, which is based on the GSM/EDGE wireless communications standards. Cingular’s data service, dubbed BroadbandConnect is expected to provide average data speeds in the 400 to 700 Kbps range, with bursts coming in at over 1 megabit per seconds. BroadbandConnect is available to notebook computer users via a modem card, Cingular’s Communication Manager software, and a Data Connect subscription plan; modem cards and service plans will be available from Cingular in December, with compatible handsets becoming available in January. Cingular plans to roll out additional mobile broadband features and applications throughout 2006, including audio and video services.

Although BroadbandConnect is currently only available in 16 cities, Cingular says the modem cards are dual-band HSDPA/UMTS (Universal Mobile Telephone System) (850/1900Mhz) and backward compatible with EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution) and GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) in four bands (850/900/1800/1900Mhz). So, of a user moves outside a BroabandConnect coverage area, the session is seamlessly transferred to Cingular’s (lower speed) nationwide EDGE network or a data network of one of its roaming partners. In the U.S., Cingular’s EDGE network is in more than 13,000 municipalities and along 40,000 miles of highways and supports data speeds of 70 to 135 Kbps. Cingular customers can also access data services in more than 90 countries.

To access BroadbandConnect, customers must purchase either a Sierra Wireless AC860 or Novatel U730 laptop modem card for $99.99 (after rebate) with a qualifying voice plan and introductory two-year $59.99 Unlimited Data Connect plan. Several monthly plans are available, starting at $19.99/month for 5 MB ot data transfer.

BroadbandConnect service is currently available in Austin (TX), Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Portland (OR), Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose (CA), Seattle, Tacoma (WA) and Washington D.C.

Cingular is coming late to the high-speed wireless data game: similar capabilities are available from Sprint Nextel across a larger network, and Verizon Wireless has been offering high-speed handsets since February 2005.