Cingular launches 3G BroadbandConnect network

Dec 06 2005 - 06:06 PM ET | 3G, Cingular

cingular-3g.jpgAfter intense speculation, Cingular has finally launched their HSDPA 3G network which is being marketed as BroadbandConnect. Though the US is not typically a leader in 3G mobile technology, Cingular's network is the first HSDPA in the world. 16 cities were part of the intial BroadbandConnect launch: Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Portland, SLC, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Tacoma, and DC.

Cingular doesn't currently have an HSPDA phone out, but there is a laptop card. Unlimited service runs $59.99 monthly. Speeds for the service range from 400-700 Kbps under normal use, or about the same as EV-DO. Cingular expects BroadbandConnect to expand to 100 markets by the end of next year.