AT&T has a test-run going of a new high-speed 3G data service, theoretically doubling existing download speeds. The test, now in progress in the Chicago area, uses an improved version of the high-speed packet access (HSPA) technology the company currently makes use of for providing 3G data, now able to reach speeds of 7.2 megabits per second. Currently, few devices support the advanced wireless mode, limiting access to mostly users with USB 3G data modems. For AT&T though, apparently the high-speed mode is an easy upgrade, only requiring new software for cell tower sites instead of costly new antennas and hardware.

Considering AT&T's high placement in nationwide 3G tests, having even further-increased download speeds is a real boon for the provider. Although the company didn't provide any details on how it expects to pull it off, it also revealed a plan to introduce 14 megabit downloads at some point in the future. While there's no word on how these new techs affect upload speeds, the recent series of 3G speed tests shows AT&T is already well ahead of its competitors for upload rates, so increasing performance even more isn't a top priority. AT&T had no word on when the high-speed 3G will leave its testing phase, nor when it will be available in markets other than Chicago.

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