What AT&T's faster 3G network means for the iPhone; will you be covered?

AT&T has announced that within the next 30 days that they will finish the deployment of HSUPA (faster upload) technology in the six remaining markets across AT&T's entire 3G wireless broadband network in the US. This follows the deployment of its HSDPA (3G download) network which makes AT&T the only US carrier to fully deploy HSPA technology on its 3G network.  As of now AT&T's 3G network is available in more than 275 markets, but it is expanding to cover 350 markets by years end.

According to AT&T:

"With the new addition of HSUPA technology, AT&T 3G users can enjoy uplink speeds between 500 and 800 Kbps. The technology is available in all but the few remaining AT&T 3G markets and will be included in all future deployments. The new upload speeds complement AT&T's 3G download capabilities, which currently offer up to 1.4 Mbps across all markets for customers who have capable devices, such as AT&T's LaptopConnect wireless modems."

Deployment of this rollout is taking place, coincidentally, directly prior to the rumored introduction of a 3G-capable iPhone. This is a potentially important development for iPhone users since third-party applications produced through Apple's SDK -- particularly those making use of socially networked media sharing sites -- may need to upload larger files such as multimedia (sound, video, etc.). A rumored video chat application might also benefit significantly from the extra bandwidth.

If you are interested in determining your local 3G coverage in the U.S. use this map or this list of cities. In markets where 3G is not available the connecting devices will presumably fall back to an EDGE connection.

Feedback? info@iphoneatlas.com.