T-Mobile USA set for 42 Mbps HSPA+ upgrade
T-Mobile USA Inc. (DTEGY) is set to boost its HSPA+ network over the next 12 months, announcing plans to increase network download speeds up to a theoretical 42 megabits per second, or roughly twice the speeds the carrier currently offers for its “4G” branded service. T-Mobile USA has noted that its current 4G service offers real-world speeds between five and 10 Mbps, so theoretically the new offering could see those real-world speeds double.
The carrier said it plans to cover 140 million potential customers in 25 markets with the increased speed capabilities by the middle of this year. T-Mobile USA’s current 21 Mbps HSPA+ network covers 200 million pops in 100 markets.
In support of those faster possible speeds, T-Mobile USA also said it plans to begin launching compatible devices during the second half of this year, though a wireless modem from ZTE Corp. that the carrier is using to demonstrate the new higher speeds is scheduled for launch during the first half of the year.
