AT&T plans update to area cell service

Charlottesville-area AT&T wireless customers should get upgraded service this year.

AT&T on Wednesday announced plans to expand its third-generation mobile broadband network throughout Virginia, including in Charlottesville.
The 3G network allows users of BlackBerries and iPhones to use video and other applications, and the service is faster, said Ellen Webner, AT&T mobility spokeswoman.

She couldn’t pinpoint a timeframe for when the upgrade will happen, aside from saying it will happen this year.
AT&T will probably have to construct new cell sites to institute the upgraded service, she said.

She also said that AT&T this year would be adding cell sites along U.S. 29 between Charlottesville and Lynchburg to extend wireless coverage.