July 20, 2011 — TAMUNING, Guam–(BUSINESS WIRE)–GTA TeleGuam Thursday announced another wireless first for Guam, with the introduction of the fourth generation (4G) wireless broadband network. The new, fastest wireless access is available in selected high traffic areas around the island.
GTA TeleGuam’s latest wireless network enhancement enables faster downloads, quicker website loading, and smoother streaming video on wireless devices. The enhanced network can deliver download speeds up to three times faster than 3G networks. Users will need a 4G-compatible device and must be within GTA TeleGuam’s newly expanded coverage area to experience 4G-like data transfer speeds.
“The proliferation of smartphones and our customers’ insatiable demand for increasing wireless speed prompted GTA TeleGuam to move ahead with the major network upgrade,” said Andrew Gayle, chief operating officer for GTA TeleGuam.
“GTA TeleGuam has been working hard on major network enhancements,” Gayle said. “We will continue to expand our network capacity and coverage. Now we are upgrading speeds.”
GTA TeleGuam upgraded the software of its 3G wireless broadband network to HSPA+, short for High Speed Packet Access Plus technology.
4G-like speeds can be achieved when HSPA+ is combined with enhanced backhaul between GTA TeleGuam’s cell sites and the company’s backbone network that provides access to the Internet. Actual speeds will vary and depend on various factors such as wireless device, location and network traffic.
About 30 percent of GTA TeleGuam’s 3G cellsites have enhanced backhaul using super-fast fiberoptic transport. The company is deploying more fiberoptic infrastructure to expand its 4G mobile reach and capacity.
“In network testing, traditional 3G smartphones like the iPhone and BlackBerry performed better in 4G coverage areas under certain network conditions, meaning GTA TeleGuam’s already fast mobile broadband network will deliver even faster speeds,” Gayle said.
GTA TeleGuam is initially offering 4G-compatible handsets from three manufacturers. These are the Motorola ATRIX 4G, HTC Inspire 4G, and Samsung Infuse 4G Smartphone.
“For now, 4G handsets are limited. This will change fast,” Gayle said.
4G phone prices start at $300 in exchange for a two-year service commitment.
