More sites, better service

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - AT&T says it is improving wireless data service across the Gulf coast.

Sue Sperry, a spokesperson for AT&T Corporate Communications, says the company has installed new cell sites including one in Fairhope and a new site south of Mobile Regional Airport along Dawes Road and Jeff Hamilton Road. Sperry says, "These new sites are dual sites, meaning 3G and 2G (to carry voice). We've been adding what we call "second carriers" which is an extra layer of capacity. A lot of the new sites are launching with 7.2 backhaul connections, which will enable a smooth transition to this platform plus LTE (4G)."

Wireless customers who use smartphones, like the Apple iPhone, tend to use more data than other wireless customers and the demand has put a strain on wireless networks.

The yellow area on the AT&T coverage map indicates the presence of the 2G or slower wireless data service. The green area shows the 3G or faster service. The blue color indicates new 3G coverage in 2009. New wireless sites are indicated by red dots and red labels. (Make the image larger to get a better look)

Extra capacity was also added in Mobile and Pensacola, allowing wireless sites to carry more traffic.