Shortly after beginning the shutdown process of AMPS and TDMA networks, and just hours before the launch the EDGE-capable iPhone, a number of users are reportedly seeing dramatic increases in EDGE throughput. After questioning whether the mobile was actually using WiFi, a New Yorker began to see if fellow AT&T customers across the nation were also noticing the substantial boost in speeds; sure enough, it looks like quite a few others are seeing speeds upwards of 200Kbps. Of course, the usual banter over the legitimacy of speed tests conducted on mobiles inevitably ensued, but we're leaving it up to you. So, dear readers, hop on AT&T's 2.5G highway and give it a go, but be sure to return and let us know whether the increases are for real.

[Thanks, Peter]

Update: We tried some speed tests on an EDGE handset ourselves, and though it's been a little inconsistent, we've been shocked to find a number of runs over 200kbps. True, these kinds of speeds are theoretically possible (actually, little known fact, the ITU technically defines EDGE as a 3G standard), but we'd never expect to see them in practice. Should make the iPhone's browsing experience a little more bearable if it holds up!

Hoping to squeeze a little more life out of the world's legacy (read: non-3G) GSM networks -- and there are many -- Ericsson has announced that it will deploy the recently-ratified "EDGE Evolution" protocol by 2009. That in itself isn't terribly interesting; after all, 2009 is a long way off yet. What is interesting, though, is that EDGE Evolution will require nothing more than a software upgrade to existing Ericsson network hardware (much the same as the original EDGE) and promises downstream speeds as high as 1Mbps, making it speedy enough to hang with UMTS and EV-DO Rev. 0. Remember how quickly AT&T Wireless (the old AT&T Wireless, that is) and T-Mobile were able to take their EDGE networks national once they started deployment? If it gains traction, EDGE Evolution should be able to roll out every bit as quickly, bringing 3G speeds to areas that would otherwise go without for many years to come. Of course, compatible handsets are another matter entirely, but manufacturers have until 2009 to get the ball rolling. Let's get to work, folks.

[Via Phone Scoop]

We noticed a little gem in Cingular's press release triumphantly announcing completion of their GSM network integration: "Unlike some competitive services, all 3G services and features, such as Cingular Video, are also available on the company's EDGE network." Really now, is that so? This after customer complaints prompted the company to pull its 3G handsets off the market in EDGE regions just a few short months ago? The verbage of the press release certainly seems to line up nicely with intelligence we're getting, which suggests that the carrier's had a change of heart and intends to once again stock store shelves nationwide with its high-speed devices, possibly on or around November 1. Among those devices should be the lustworthy Hermes-based 8525 -- that is, if the stars are aligned correctly and Cingular's execs wake up on the right sides of their beds that morning.

[Thanks, Jason H.]

Update: Some readers are reporting that 3G handsets have already come to their HSDPA-unfriendly areas; from what we gather, rumors indicate that those sales will go nationwide on November 1 (give or take).

In a move sure to excite both business travelers and wandering geeks, Qualcomm announced earlier this week that it expects to ship chips for high-speed world phones by the end of this year. Handsets with the new Qualcomm chipsets will be able to access both EV-DO services on CDMA networks as well as W-CDMA-powered GSM UMTS networks, effectively allowing for 3G connections almost anywhere in the world. Even customers not willing to shell out the big bucks that these first models will cost will still benefit from the new chips, as prices on current-gen 2G and 2.5G world phones will drop accordingly as a result of their new mid-tier market status.