According to a Rueters story AT&T plans to speed up it's data speeds when it upgrades to it network increasing upload speeds to a range of 500 to 800 kilobits per second from its current speed of
about 120 kbps. AT&T is comparatively slow to its rivals when it comes to data causing iPhone users to unlock their phones for better data speeds on other carriers.
AT&T's recent study, proves that small business needs its wireless---four in 10 (42 percent) of small business owners surveyed said
they could not survive -- or it would be a major challenge to survive -- without
wireless technology.
AT&T Survey Finds That 42 Percent of Small Business Owners Would Have
Difficulty Surviving without Wireless Technologies
Connecting to Customers Via Mobile Phones, PDAs and PC Data Cards Gives
Small Business Owners Flexibility On the Go
Businesses in Atlanta, San
Diego Rank Highest in 'Wireless Quotient' or 'WiQ'
San Antonio, Texas, September 25, 2007
Wireless devices are indispensable for today's small business owners, who
rely heavily on wireless technology to stay connected to their business and
customers while gaining flexibility and time away from the office, according to
a survey conducted by AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T).
Currently, four in 10 (42 percent) of small business owners surveyed said
they could not survive -- or it would be a major challenge to survive -- without
wireless technology. This trend will likely increase because more than half (51
percent) of the respondents said they rely on wireless technology more today
than two years ago, and more (55 percent) said they expect to depend on it even
more two years from now.
"Wireless technology is a critical tool that allows small business owners to
stay in touch with customers, suppliers and staff while on the go," said Carrie
MacGillivray, senior analyst, Mobile Enterprise Network Services, IDC. "It is
not surprising that small businesses indicate that wireless communications
capabilities play a critical role in business success."
The increased demands of a personal life and owning a small business mirrors
the concurrent growth in small business owners' reliance on wireless technology.
Of the 41 percent of respondents who said they were very likely to conduct
business while away from the office, more than half (53 percent) said the
success of their business depends on wireless technologies, such as mobile
phones, PDAs and PC data cards. Additionally, half (49 percent) said they are
optimistic about wireless technology giving their business a competitive
advantage while only 16 percent of those polled disagreed with that statement.
"Small businesses are more nimble and flexible than ever before, and they
need telecommunications solutions built for them by people who understand their
needs," said John Regan, vice president of Small Business, AT&T. "Today's
small business owners have more choices than ever for wireless handsets, Wi-Fi
access points, smartphones and other technologies that help keep them connected
even when they're away from the office -- whether that's traveling to meet with
customers or staying connected with their business while away from the
office."
Not surprisingly, different regions vary on the importance and use of
wireless technology. Based on responses to three components -- perceived
importance of wireless, use of wireless technology and attitude on the impact of
wireless technology -- a Wireless Quotient, or "WiQ," was calculated for each of
the 10 participating markets.
Each component was weighted in the rankings. For example, use of wireless
technology was viewed as more important than the perceived importance of that
technology. The rankings for the 10 market areas are:
- Atlanta
- San Diego
- Dallas
- Charlotte
- Detroit
- Bay Area
- Chicago
- Connecticut
- Oklahoma
- Milwaukee
"The concept of WiQ is very relevant today and has bottom-line impact for
businesses," said Jeff Kagan, wireless and telecom industry analyst. "Business
owners who understand the value of wireless are more likely to translate
technology into applications that create competitive advantage for them in the
marketplace.
"This study confirms that wireless technologies are increasingly important to
small businesses, which are using those technologies more now than they did two
years ago, and that increased use will continue in the coming years," said
Regan. "This tells us we're doing the right thing with our fully owned wireless
brand to offer small businesses a variety of communications bundles and new
technologies built for mobility."
Study Methodology
The results are based on a telephone
survey of 1,000 owners and/or employees responsible for Information Technology
(IT) at small businesses in 10 U.S. metropolitan/regional areas. One hundred
interviews were completed in each of the 10 markets. The sample of participating
companies was drawn from Dunn and Bradstreet's business list of companies
located in each of the 10 areas. Each company was screened to include only those
that have between two and 25 employees (full- and part-time). Eight of the 10
metropolitan areas are based on DMAs (Designated Market Areas). The other two
markets are the states of Connecticut and Oklahoma. Interviewing was conducted
between July 2 and Aug. 10, 2007.