Working with NTT DoCoMo, AT&T Wireless today began offering customers in Detroit, Phoenix, San Francisco and Seattle broadband mobile wireless services with its launch of the first commercially-available true 3G UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) network in the United States.

"We're delivering on our promise to offer 3G wireless services in the U.S., and bring the benefits to American consumers and businesses," said John Zeglis, AT&T Wireless Chairman and CEO. "In a few short years, we've increased wireless data speeds more than tenfold across the country. Today's announcement enables our customers to access information, video, and audio on their wireless device faster than most people do from their wired computer at home," he added.

AT&T Wireless said its wireless broadband service provides customers with average wireless data speeds between 220 and 320 kilobits-per-second (kbps), with bursts up to 384kbps. In the future, the company noted that UMTS can be easily and cost-effectively upgraded to HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access), which is estimated to attain peak data rates up to 14.4 megabits-per-second (mbps).

Starting today, AT&T Wireless said its customers can access the new wireless broadband service using either the Motorola A845 ($299.99) or Nokia 6651 ($299.99) handsets. In addition to providing access to high-speed wireless data connections and enhanced content through AT&T Wireless' mMode in the four markets announced today, the company said the handsets can be used to make voice calls or access wireless data connections at speeds equivalent to standard wired dial up service, when customers travel outside the four initial markets. The company said it is also offering a UMTS modem developed jointly by Lucent and Novatel ($149.99 with rebate), in addition to the handsets.

Some of the mMode screenshots are available at next page