AT&T issued a press release today promising big improvements to their 3G (which uses HSPA technology) network over the next two years, including plans to double the wireless spectrum and expand coverage to 20 additional metro areas. This news is of course making 3G iPhone and aircard users very happy campers, but the obvious downside is that it's very apparent that 3G remains and will continue to be AT&T's top priority for at least another two years while LTE sits on the back burner.
The press release didn't completely ignore LTE - it anecdotally mentioned that AT&T will "begin LTE trials in 2010, with deployment beginning in 2011". While improving their existing 3G network is certainly going to benefit many users, one wonders whether the monetary and time resources might be better spent working towards the 4G network that will someday replace 3G?
What do you think - is AT&T making a mistake to wait on LTE? Discuss this issue on the 4G Forums.
