After successful completion of a field trial in Minneapolis, AT&T says it will launch use of G.fast to connect multiple dwelling unit (MDU) subscribers in parts of eight metro markets, with sales ready to begin in parts of an additional 14.
The eight markets in which AT&T is ready to deploy G.fast "immediately" (at least in certain parts) include:
- Boston
- Denver
- Minneapolis
- New York City
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Seattle
- Tampa
The 14 markets were AT&T says G.fast deployments in the other 14 markets are "planned in the near future." Nevertheless, the service provider has begun sales of G.fast-based services in these areas, which include:
- Albany, Buffalo, and Rochester, NY
- Baltimore
- Cincinnati
- Colorado Springs, CO
- Hartford, CT
- Omaha, NE
- Pittsburgh
- Portland, OR
- Providence, RI
- Richmond, VA
- Washington, DC
- Salt Lake City
AT&T notes that each of these markets reside outside of its traditional 21-state home internet service area. Services will top out at 500 Mbps initially but the company promises "greater speeds over time."
The use of G.fast enables AT&T to offer high-speed broadband services over existing in-building coaxial cable. While initial versions of G.fast limited the technology's use to twisted-pair, the advent of Dynamic Time Assignment (called "Dynamic Time Allocation" by some technology suppliers) has made use over coax network feasible (see "ADTRAN, Deutsche Telekom lab test next-generation G.fast"). "We're tapping into the existing internet infrastructure in some multifamily properties to bring ultra-fast internet in less time and with less disruption than replacing the network with fiber," said Ed Balcerzak, senior vice president, AT&T Connected Communities. "While fiber to the unit remains the best broadband solution for most properties where possible, G.fast and fixed millimeter-wave provide connectivity to properties that aren't able to support fiber. AT&T is committed to providing apartments and condos with connectivity across the nation, and innovations such as G.fast are helping us to do that."
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