AT&T Introduces Turbo for Enhanced Network Performance
AT&T has recently launched a new feature called Turbo, which offers mobile customers the opportunity to experience faster wireless data speeds for an additional $7 per month. The Turbo add-on, now available, is specifically designed to support high-performance mobile applications, such as gaming, social video broadcasting, and live video conferencing, by providing optimized data connectivity while customers are on the move.
Turbo enhances the high-speed and hotspot data on a user’s connection, with notable improvements for various applications. For instance, gaming applications utilizing Turbo will benefit from reduced freezing or stuttering and lower latency, ensuring a smoother and more seamless user experience.
The $7 fee applies to each line, meaning that adding Turbo to multiple lines within the same account will require an extra charge for each line. AT&T emphasizes that Turbo allows users to maximize the high-speed and hotspot data allotments included in their plans, delivering superior data performance even during peak network usage times.
Exclusive Benefits for 5G Phones
Turbo is exclusively available for 5G smartphones on specific “unlimited” plans. While it does not provide additional data beyond existing allotments, Turbo offers enhanced network performance to users. If users exceed their data limitations, standard network management practices will apply to ensure fair usage across the network.
For customers who opt for Turbo, it is recommended to review their video settings. By default, AT&T caps video streaming at DVD quality; however, users have the option to enable high-definition video streaming, albeit at the cost of increased data consumption.
Quality of Service Enhancements
An insightful analysis by The Mobile Report highlights that AT&T will distinguish between Turbo subscribers and non-subscribers using Quality of Service Class Identifiers (QCIs). Eligible plans are now assigned to QCI 8, with the opportunity for users to upgrade back to QCI 7. Additionally, QCI 6 is reserved for public safety professionals utilizing the FirstNet service established by AT&T under a government contract.
AT&T has confirmed that Turbo is aligned with a specific QCI previously designated for consumer traffic. Through substantial modifications and increased network resources, AT&T has elevated the performance of Turbo traffic, offering consumers a higher level of service than ever before. The company clarifies that QCIs are numerical designations assigned to service classes, with various parameters that can be adjusted to provide distinct user experiences.
Last summer, AT&T restructured how plans are linked to QCI levels, optimizing network performance for its customer base. The introduction of Turbo represents the initial phase in AT&T’s efforts to enhance network capabilities for upcoming innovative applications. As the company continues to evolve its network technologies, it remains committed to providing advanced solutions for latency-sensitive applications, ensuring optimal performance for users.
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