AT&T expanding 3G network in Asheville

[Trip Mitchell]

My wife was on the phone to AT&T on October 27th - complaining about receiving lots of spam text messages, which they kindly refunded - and then she reminded the rep that we had absolutely no 3G coverage here (or EDGE for that matter) but continue to be billed for it.

The phone Rep said that there was a note that a 3G tower had been turned on in Asheville that day, but that there was some problem - it seems awfully convenient that it occurred on the same day that we called, but I assume they really are trying. Of course she could not offer any time table for when service actually would be available in our area.

At any rate, we got a $61.00 refund for this month.(I wish we had called earlier - now we plan to call at the end of every month that goes by without 3G and see if we can get further refunds.

I would urge anyone who pays for data but is unable to use it where you live to call and politely complain.

[Nazaire]

Current word-of-mouth has been thanksgiving, for 3g. We'll see.

[Nazaire]

And Trip, the data package I have for my g1 includes all data, not just 3g, so unfortunately I can't get any back from these "fine upstanding individuals."

[Trip Mitchell]

The data package with iPhone also includes all data. Nazaire, are you getting decent EDGE speeds in WV? We don't even get useable 2G speeds here in Asheville.

Also do you have to get the data package in order to purchase a G1, or is it a voluntary add on? If you have to take the data package, i would still suggest that you try your luck at describing your INTENSE FRUSTRATION to a nice AT&T support representative... it can't hurt to ask, right?

[Stimey Clodfelter]

First it was by the end of last year, then this past spring, then the end of September, then the end of October and now its by Thanksgiving. Folks, this sounds like a scam to me. But the big question is why a market as big as Asheville metro (almost 400K pop) doesn't have 3G when much smaller markets do?

[Kevin Smith]

I am so tired of playing this game. I'm sticking with Verizon and getting a Droid.

[Stimey Clodfelter]

Kevin, take a look at the Imagio. It's a Windows Mobile OS, but it has Touch Flow 3D which is a nicer OS than the Droids. Also, you can add Mobile Shell and really enhance the OS and there are a ton of apps available for it. From what I've seen the Droid's OS is sluggish and it may turn out to be a bust like Palm's WebOS.

[Revital PC]

Well - Oct 30th has come & gone & no 3G. Just called the AT&T Arden office & spoke with their local rep (again). She told confirmed they've had technical problems and doesn't know when 3G will be turned on. No word as to how far out 3G coverage will go.

She did say construction is beginning on two towers in Fletcher (where coverage is absolutely horrible). These towers will be done by the first of the year.

[Kevin Smith]

I currently have a Samsung i760 with Windows OS. I think its absolutely horrible. Locks up frequently and needs to be completely rebooted 1-2x a week. I think that is unacceptable. I'd never get Windows Mobile OS again. Glad it works for you, but I'm gonna go with the Droid... unless I hear from AT&T in the next 24 hours. I'd really love an iPhone, but would not be satisfied with AT&Ts service as of now. I have a very low threshold for things like that.

[kg4icn]

3G is live tonight! I have been downtown and near RiverRidge! Finally getting 2MBit down.

[Kevin Smith]

Any other confirmations? Anyone in East Asheville?

[Kevin Smith]

I got another friend on Facebook also say 3G. Wow! Great news!

[Ryan]

3G working for me as of about 4 hours ago tonight in Central Asheville.

[Dude yes]

3g near unca working great! Next question how many towers in WNC will AT&T install 3g?

[mixedtraxx]

Love it that 3G is working on my SonyEricsson Xperia in Leicester. About time :)

[Bubby0429]

Good news for some.....
I live in Arden and work in Fletcher, nothing yet. Anyone in these areas had any luck? Might just be me, my 3G radio may have died due to non use!!!

[Dude yes]

So far so good, my 3g iPhone loves it!

Now AT&T add more towers, coverage at bent creek at the NC Arborteum and most of the blue ridge parkway... No coverage! Hwy 221 between Marion and linville falls....No coverage! Hwy 80 between Marion and micaville...no coverage! Hwy 107 between Cashiers and cullowhee...no coverage! Hwy 105 between linville and banner Elk ...no coverage! I can list 15 other highways with no coverage. WE WANT COVERAGE away from home, what's the point if I can get it only at my home, I've got wi-fi and landline for that!!!!!!!

[ARMYGUY872009]

Bubby0429 wrote:

Good news for some.....
I live in Arden and work in Fletcher, nothing yet. Anyone in these areas had any luck? Might just be me, my 3G radio may have died due to non use!!!

No to Arden and Fletcher, however at work it is great!

[bubby0429]

when to Arden & Fletcher....

The end of November and then hello Verizon Droid! Anyone want to buy a white 16 gig at&t iphone?

[Newbomb Turk]

Dude yes wrote:

No coverage! Hwy 221 between Marion and linville falls....No coverage! Hwy 80 between Marion and micaville...no coverage! Hwy 107 between Cashiers and cullowhee...no coverage! Hwy 105 between linville and banner Elk ...no coverage!

If it's any consolation, my carrier (which generally has good service across WNC) doesn't offer service in those areas, either.