AT&T Picks Up the Pace

According to Reuters, AT&T is rolling out high-speed data access is 80 new markets.  This is great news for anyone who does a decent amount of web surfing on their handsets. In addition to simple surfing, higher data speeds offer a lot of other advantages: If you're using a web-based navigation system, for instance, the maps and directions can load that much faster, helping your navigation keep up with you so that you don't blow past an exit while you're waiting for the screen to load. If you're like us, however, and you use your wireless service to provide internet access to your computer this is far more exciting.  The main reason that a person would use their cell service, whether it's with a laptop aircard or by tethering their BlackBerry (that's us), is to enhance portability.  I mean, having your compact little notebook is great until you have to plug in or lurk at a Wi-Fi hotspot when you want to go online. With added wireless broadband coverage more customers in more places can get a higher level of internet usability on the go. More portability with less loss of functionality? Yes, please!