iPad Impact on Wireless Network Raises Red Flag

With the forthcoming rollout of Apple Inc.'s iPad tablet, it’s necessary for providers of wireless phone and data services to ensure that their networks aren’t overwhelmed by demand, according to a blog item by two officials of the Federal Communications Commission.

Although the post does not name AT&T by name, it makes a thinly veiled reference to the company, which is the exclusive provider of wireless and data services for the iPad.

“With the iPad pointing to even greater demand for mobile broadband on the horizon, we must ensure that network congestion doesn’t choke off a service that consumers clearly find so appealing or frustrate mobile broadband’s ability to keep us competitive in the global broadband economy,” according to the blog item.

The posting was written by the FCC’s Phil Bellaria, who is director of scenario planning, and John Leibovitz, the agency’s deputy chief of the wireless telecommunications bureau.

AT&T has been the subject of numerous consumer complaints about supposed problems with dropped calls and poor connections related to its service for Apple’s iPhone, for which it also is the exclusive service provider.

Company executives conceded that AT&T had service issues in New York and San Francisco, but have never acknowledged systemic problems with the company’s network. Starting last year, however, AT&T announced a series of improvements to and investments in its wireless operation.