AT&T is introducing a new option called “Turbo,” which it claims will enhance data connectivity for real-time responsiveness. This option, available for an additional $7 per month, aims to improve reliability and stability, particularly for activities requiring immediate responsiveness.
According to AT&T, Turbo is designed to support high-performance mobile applications such as gaming, social video broadcasting, and live video conferencing. By optimizing data while users are on the move, Turbo offers customers the ability to enhance their network performance when needed.
For example, Turbo can help reduce freezing, stuttering, and latency during gaming sessions, ensuring a smoother experience for users. However, the specifics of how much improvement users can expect remain unclear.
Reports suggest that AT&T is shifting all plans to Quality of Service Class Identifier 8 (QCI 8), a step down from the previous QCI 7. Customers opting for Turbo essentially “buy their way back” into QCI 7, offering improved network priority and performance.
AT&T claims to have materially modified and increased network resources for Turbo traffic, providing a higher level of performance than before. However, Turbo does not provide unlimited access to AT&T’s network and is only available to customers subscribed to AT&T’s “Unlimited” plans.
It’s important to note that even with Turbo, data speeds may still be throttled if users exceed their plan’s data allotment. Additionally, the extent of performance improvement and which types of traffic are prioritized remain unclear.
To sign up for AT&T Turbo, customers can use the myATT app or visit AT&T’s website.
