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AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) has announced that the Sierra Wireless AirCard^® 881 LaptopConnect card is now available, enabling laptop users to take full advantage of the faster broadband speeds the company is deploying in its 3G wireless network.

Compatible with High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) technologies, the AirCard 881 PC will enable average upload speeds between 500 Kbps and 800 Kbps as AT&T commences the industry’s first U.S. deployment of High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA). After completion of comprehensive testing and certification, AT&T is rolling out HSUPA technology in its network today, with availability to be announced in select U.S. markets later this fall.

The AirCard 881 PC also supports enhanced HSDPA download speeds ranging between 600 to 1,400 Kbps. The faster download speeds provide an optimal wireless Internet-browsing experience, while the upcoming faster upload speeds will enhance users’ ability to send large files, such as videos, photos or business documents.

“As our customers use our wireless network to access the incredible variety of information, entertainment and other services now available to them, the need for continuously improved data speeds is critically important,” said Michael Woodward, AT&T vice president of wireless products. “With the Air Card 881, our data customers will experience significantly improved download speeds today and will be able to take full advantage of faster upload speeds as HSUPA is deployed in the AT&T network.”

Like the AirCard 875 LaptopConnect card and the AirCard 875U USB device — both already available from AT&T — the AirCard 881 offers tri-band 3G connectivity and is compatible with mobile broadband networks worldwide, including such countries as Japan and South Korea, making it an ideal choice for international travelers. For use in areas in which HSPA coverage is not yet available, the AirCard 881 PC card is also compatible with all four EDGE/GPRS frequency bands used worldwide. AT&T’s nationwide* EDGE network is the largest national high speed wireless data network in the U.S.

Source: AT&T Delivers 3G Wireless Broadband Speed Boost with New-Generation Network Technologies and LaptopConnect Card