AT&T is rolling out a new service called “Turbo” for its wireless customers, starting May 2. For $7 per month, customers can opt to enhance their network connection, promising improved performance and responsiveness. While details about the service are somewhat unclear, AT&T claims that Turbo can optimize users’ mobile data connections, offering benefits like reduced freezing or stuttering and lower latency, particularly important for activities like gaming where milliseconds matter.
Reports earlier hinted at the upcoming launch of Turbo, suggesting it could provide uninterrupted network speeds during peak traffic times. The service allows users to elevate their “Quality of Service Class Identifiers” (QCI) on AT&T’s network. QCI levels determine the priority of network traffic, with lower numbers indicating better quality.
AT&T confirmed that Turbo will leverage its QCI capabilities, which involve sophisticated technologies to enhance user experience. While the service won’t utilize standalone 5G technology, it does require a 5G-capable phone. However, specific details about the speeds users can expect with Turbo remain undisclosed.
The timing of AT&T’s Turbo launch coincides with the FCC’s recent passage of net neutrality guidelines aimed at ensuring fair and open access to Internet services. AT&T emphasizes that Turbo adheres to open Internet principles, providing a boost to customers’ data regardless of the content or applications being used.
The introduction of Turbo reflects operators’ ongoing quest for new services to generate additional revenue streams. However, its success remains uncertain, as seen with similar services like Cox Communications’ “Elite Gamer,” which was discontinued last year due to lower-than-expected demand. Nevertheless, operators continue to explore innovative offerings, such as Verizon’s recent introduction of a second phone number option for customers at an additional $10 per month.
