June 30, 2007 - In the months leading up to the release of the Apple iPhone, some lamented the fact that the new handset's Internet connectivity would be relegated the painfully slow AT&T EDGE network, which often topped out at around 50kbps.  AT&T's much faster 3G HSDPA network had been in place for some time when the iPhone was announced, and it seemed an odd choice for the oh-so-chic iPhone to not avail itself of HSDPA's higher speeds.

While that choice may still seem questionable (power and stability concerns were cited to explain the lack of 3G connectivity on the iPhone), AT&T made an unexpected move intended to help improve the iPhone situation right out of the gate.  On June 29,  the day of the iPhone's release, users began reporting much faster speeds on the AT&T wireless network.  EDGE compatible devices - which had topped out at 40-50kbps - were now reaching 150, 160 or even 170kpbs, a much needed and eagerly welcomed improvement to the dated network.