AT&T plans $100 million in wireless improvements

AT&T Wireless plans to spend about $100 million this year to improve its wireless voice and data network in the Twin Cites and the rest of Minnesota.

The upgrade will give most Twin Cities customers data speeds of up to six to seven megabits per second by late this year or next spring. Current speeds are one to two megabits. Subsequent improvements could provide speeds of 20 megabits -- or faster -- statewide.

"Think about it like this: Phase 1 is you get fast. Phase 2 is you get really faster," said Hardmon Williams, AT&T's vice president and general manager of mobility for Minnesota. "The point is, we'll have both of those options available to customers in the future."

Between 2008 and 2010, AT&T spent more than $280 million on network upgrades in Minnesota.

The network enhancements this year include new and improved cell sites and capacity upgrades. The company says additional network capacity will mean fewer dropped calls.

If AT&T successfully acquires T-Mobile, AT&T says it will cover virtually all of Minnesota.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.