AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) has announced plans to test a fixed wireless service in Minneapolis.
The company revealed that apartment complexes in the Minnesota city will connect with nearby properties by installing radio and antenna systems that are placed on the properties’ rooftops. The Internet service will be about 100 Mbps.
The fiber-connected capabilities of AT&T’s new service will receive a multi-gigabit millimeter signal that the company then converts into a high-speed wired Internet connection that links to current or new wiring in each property.
Additionally, residents of these apartments will also get the opportunity to install DirecTV services through an “Advantage” platform. This feature uses a single satellite dish per building that sends a signal to all users without having to install individual dishes in each apartment.
AT&T Commercial and Connected Communities senior vice president Ed Balcerzak commented on the matter, stating the move will help to offer Internet service to certain places where the carrier has been unable to access so far.
He added that the move will allow users to get a combination of wired Internet capabilities, wireless offerings and DirecTV to multiple complexes, as well as multifamily communities.
If the Minneapolis Internet rollout is successful, AT&T will attempt to replicate this move in other cities such as Boston, Denver, New York City, Philadelphia, Seattle and Washington, D.C.
The company hopes to eventually release Internet services at speeds of up to 500 Mbps.
T shares slipped 0.2% Thursday.
