AT&T pours $400 million into wireless network

Unlike rival Verizon Wireless, AT&T isn’t ready to share its plans for the next generation of wireless technology, called 5G, in Denver just yet. But the company has revealed $400 million in investments made to its existing network across the metro area.

“Our investment in Denver is another example of how AT&T is investing in local communities to help keep customers connected when and where they need it most,” Roberta Robinette, president, AT&T-Colorado, said in a news release.

The improvements, which took place between 2016 and 2018, included things such as deploying an antenna system to improve coverage at the new Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center; upgrading antenna systems at sports venues, including Coors Field; building new cell sites to better serve the Denver Botanic Gardens and the area around 6th Avenue and Sable Boulevard in Aurora; and improving the FirstNet platform used by first responders.

The company said it made 385 wireless network upgrades across metro Denver last year and claims it now has the fastest LTE wireless network in metro Denver, based on testing done in the first quarter with Speedtest.

A different test in June from PC Magazine across 15 locations in the metro area, however, still gave Verizon bragging rights to the fastest 4G network in metro Denver. AT&T did lead Verizon on upload speeds and barely edged it out on network reliability.

5G will significantly boost speeds and allow for multiple devices in a small area to connect to the cellular network, although it will be available only in limited areas at first. Some of the upgrades that AT&T made will support its 5G Evolution and LTE-LATT technologies, the company said.

AT&T also said it has made another $250 million in investments elsewhere in the state the past three years beyond those made in metro Denver.