AT&T revealed this afternoon what they plan to do with the massive $6.6 Billion slice of spectrum they purchased from the US Government; 4G wireless data.

That’s right; they don’t have nationwide 3G coverage, but they have already sunk Billions into 4G. Consumers can expect an almost 5-fold increase in speeds using the new "LTE" technology.

What does this mean to you and I? Faster downloads, less dependence on WiFi hotspots and undoubtedly a much higher mobile phone bill.

This one is estimated to start rolling out in 2009, which in the world of technology means it won’t be here till at least 2012, and even then it’ll probably take 5 more years to reach most metropolitan areas.

The big loser here is T-mobile; the last of the big 4 to get 3G to their customers will once again be left behind. AT&T clearly has a "plan", Verizon recently purchased enough spectrum for their own 4G and Sprint is working on WiMAX.

Source: Engadget