Wifi Revolution

AT&T Inc. has announced that the Sierra Wireless (News - Alert) AirCard 881 LaptopConnect card is now available. The card enables laptop users to take full advantage of the faster broadband speeds the company is deploying in its 3G wireless network.

 

The AirCard 881 PC is compatible with High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) technologies, and will enable average upload speeds between 500 Kbps and 800 Kbps as AT&T (News - Alert) commences the industry’s first U.S. deployment of High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA).

 

Sierra Wireless AirCard 881 LaptopConnect card also provides support to enhanced HSDPA download speeds ranging between 600 to 1,400 Kbps. While the faster download speeds provide an optimal wireless Internet-browsing experience, the upcoming faster upload speeds will enhance users’ ability to send large files.

 

“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,” said Michael Woodward, AT&T vice president of wireless products in a statement.

 

Woodward believes that with the Air Card 881, their 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.

 

AT&T explains that the AirCard 881 offers tri-band 3G connectivity and is compatible with mobile broadband networks worldwide, including such countries as Japan and South Korea. This makes it an ideal choice for international travelers. The AirCard 881 PC card is also compatible with all four EDGE/GPRS frequency bands used worldwide for use in areas in which HSPA coverage is not yet available.

 

Dan Schieler, senior vice president, Worldwide Sales for Sierra Wireless expressed his company’s excitement about the potential of HSUPA technology to deliver a better mobile broadband experience for users and consider it a privilege to provide AT&T customers with the first devices that enable them to take advantage of the network upgrade.

 

Schieler said that the significantly higher upload speeds that HSUPA provides, combined with the card’s robust design and worldwide roaming capability, make the AirCard 881 a remarkably useful tool for mobile professionals and others who need a fast, reliable way to send and receive a lot of information while on the go.

 

Anuradha Shukla is a contributing editor for TMCnet, covering call centers, CRM and information technology. To see more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.

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