AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is continuing to deploy 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) markets at a fast clip, adding another four towns and cities to hit 113 now with the wireless broadband technology.
The operator has added four new markets since last week: Auburn, Ala.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Nashua, N.H.; and Wilkes Barre, Pa.
With these latest updates, AT&T has easily surpassed its stated target of 100 markets covered with LTE in 2012. AT&T said last month that it is ramping up spending on wireless as part of its Project VIP scheme.
Why this mattersVerizon Wireless is still way ahead in LTE markets (441 now deployed) as more LTE smartphones and tablets arrive. AT&T's strategy to compete for the new year appears to be in both talking up the speed of its new LTE network blended with promoting the relative speed and availability of its HSPA+ network. (See What We Mean When We Say '4G' and The Best 3G & 4G Cities in America.)
If they keep this pace they could hit another 208 markets in 2013. Seems unlikely though and Verizon would still have a bigger footprint. AT&T wants to cover 300M potential customers by the end of 2014.
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