AT&T to Open Innovation Centers Supporting LTE Trials

AT&T will open at least three Innovation Centers later this year to drive development of next-generation devices, applications and equipment that expand the capabilities of mobile and wired broadband. Alcatel-Lucent and Ericsson plan to participate in the AT&T Innovation Centers.


Initial plans call for the opening of two AT&T Innovation Centers in the U.S. and one international facility. AT&T said it will work directly with device makers, application developers and network equipment providers to expedite development of an ecosystem of mobile and wired broadband services and capabilities for consumers and business users. Third-party developers will have access to a full range of AT&T services and network capabilities to facilitate development of new applications. AT&T is especially interested in application that span wireless and wireline networks and across multiple screens.


"Collaborative innovation is at the heart of broadband today, and it will be even more critical in the years to come as we work to ensure that customers get the most out of mobile broadband platforms like LTE and service platforms like U-verse IPTV," said John Donovan, AT&T's chief technology officer."We envision these AT&T Innovation Centers as a crossroads for the industry to drive new capabilities crossing networks, devices and applications. They will provide an opportunity for AT&T experts to work directly with others in the industry to develop, evaluate and perfect new apps and services as broadband networks continue to evolve in the years to come."


AT&T said the Innovation Centers complement its strategy to continually enhance and expand mobile broadband capabilities over the next several years. In 2010 and 2011, AT&T will work to further increase speeds on its 3G network by deploying fiber-optic backhaul connections and HSPA 7.2 technology. AT&T is also preparing to launch field trials of LTE ahead of its first commercial LTE deployment in 2011.
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