AT&T tests its 3G cell network with soft launch

AT&T has tested its much-anticipated 3G network for cell phone customers with a soft launch in the Cape Girardeau area.

The network provides a faster Internet connection, access to e-mail and file downloads. The company had announced in mid-April its decision to expand the service to Cape Girardeau and Joplin, Mo., by the summer.

Spokeswoman Chelsey Ilten-Watts said the company plans an official launch of the network in the near future, though she declined to say when that would be or which areas of Cape Girardeau would receive the service. Ilten-Watts confirmed the announcement would not come in June and that all customers who have begun receiving the service should not lose it unless they travel outside their coverage area.

Ilten-Watts said that for those customers who have experienced problems with other aspects of AT&T's service, such as home Internet connection, the disruption is not related to the launch of the 3G network.

"We haven't done an official launch yet because there are still some bugs that need to be worked out in the system," Ilten-Watts said. "We don't want people to get all excited yet."

AT&T customer Darrin Pruitt said he was ecstatic when he discovered the 3G symbol on his phone, comparing it to opening a Christmas present. He said the speed is much faster than what he received with his previous service.

"I had to turn off my Wi-Fi connection and yep, there it was in all its glory," said Pruitt, who leaves near Nell Holcomb School outside of Cape Girardeau. "I have been checking it every few minutes to make sure it is still there.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628

Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau, MO