For a while we’ve heard that AT&T is in the process of moving their 3G to the 850 MHz frequency, which is superior in range and signal strength to the 1900 MHz spectrum it is on currently. Engadget recently interviewed Ralph de la Vega, CEO of AT&T Mobility. He revealed that the complete migration of 3G to the 850 MHz spectrum could happen in major cities by the end of this year. That has quite a few implications for BlackBerry users, since all models on AT&T except for the Bold use EDGE, which is on the 2G network.
Not only will users of older BlackBerry models have the slower EDGE speeds, but now they’ll deal with a weaker signal strength. Opening attachments just got a lot less fun. I didn’t see anything specifically about voice quality, but I don wonder what will happen on that end.
Of course, this has to seriously put into question rumors that AT&T will pick up the Curve 8900. Why add another 2G device to your lineup when you plan to basically make 2G devices second-class citizens? Furthermore, why do it when RIM has a 3G version of the device on its roadmap for 2009? They just got the Bold in November, and that should keep customers happy for the time being. That is, unless AT&T deliberately wants to add another non-camera BlackBerry.
All of this is to say that if you’re looking to get a BlackBerry on AT&T, there’s all the more reason to pick the Bold. You can always save and get it on Amazon for $150.
