AT&T is gearing up to roll out its latest offering, AT&T Turbo, starting May 2nd, in a bid to revolutionize wireless connectivity. Priced at $7 per month, the service is designed to provide users with enhanced network capabilities, allowing them to optimize their mobile data connection whenever needed.
The telecommunications giant revealed in a press release that AT&T Turbo enables users to augment their network resources, providing a significant edge in mobile applications like gaming, video broadcasting, and video conferencing. With an emphasis on minimizing freezing and reducing latency, Turbo promises to deliver seamless experiences, particularly in scenarios where every millisecond counts.
A standout feature of the Turbo add-on is its ability to elevate a customer’s priority on the network. By adjusting Quality of Service Class Identifiers (QCIs), Turbo subscribers will enjoy heightened network priority, marked by a QCI of 7, compared to other plans sitting at QCI 8. An AT&T spokesperson emphasized the complexity behind QCI adjustments, likening it to advanced technological maneuvers rather than a mere channel switch.
Enabling or removing the Turbo add-on is a breeze for AT&T customers, who can manage their preferences through the company’s app or online platform. Once activated, the elevated service level takes effect immediately, offering users an instant upgrade in network performance. It’s important to note that while Turbo leverages 5G technology, it does not rely on standalone (SA) 5G infrastructure, necessitating a 5G-capable device.
Amidst discussions surrounding net neutrality, AT&T has taken proactive measures to ensure Turbo’s compliance with regulatory frameworks. The company asserts that Turbo operates in alignment with open Internet principles, extending its benefits to all customer data regardless of content, applications, or services being utilized.
AT&T’s foray into service enhancement echoes previous attempts by competitors, such as Cox Communications’ “Elite Gamer” service launched in 2020. Despite Cox’s service discontinuation due to lackluster demand, AT&T remains undeterred, expressing its commitment to advancing and evolving Turbo to meet evolving customer needs.
However, with potential shifts in internet regulation looming post-2024 presidential elections and the mixed reception to similar initiatives in the past, uncertainties persist regarding the trajectory of AT&T Turbo’s future.
